Folio 73: Duke of Newcastle to Lord Tyrawly. King John's appeal for immediate British...

Folio 73: Duke of Newcastle to Lord Tyrawly. King John's appeal for immediate British help by land and sea as he is in great fear of an attack by Spain as a result of the severance of diplomatic relations due to a protocol incident at Madrid. King George II and Newcastle think these fears to be founded `upon reasoning and conjectures' rather than upon ascertained facts. But the King has resolved in addition to offering his mediation between Spain and Portugal, to send a very strong squadron for the protection of the trade of British subjects, and for the security of the Brazil fleets, in which our merchants are so much concerned, against any attempts whatsoever, and for the defence of Portugal if attacked by sea, as it is regarded as highly unlikely that Spain will invade by land. King George expects the Portuguese to keep secret the design of this squadron, which cannot be ready for three weeks, until he himself announces it. Meanwhile Tyrawly is to reassure King John V that this is the most he has any right to expect, especially as the Dutch are very unlikely to help, and to try in concert with Mendonça Corte-Real to dissuade him from doing anything to aggravate the situation. The envoy, Azevedo, has been informed accordingly. Encloses copies of relevant papers (all wanting).

Date and place: 1735 Apr 18 London.