Folio 170: Duke of Newcastle to Lord Tyrawly and Sir John Norris. Spain has now agreed...

Folio 170: Duke of Newcastle to Lord Tyrawly and Sir John Norris. Spain has now agreed to joint mediation of Britain, France, and States-General. They are to ask audience of King John V and reassure him that he and King of Spain are being treated as absolute equals. Since both Spain and Portugal have accepted Anglo-French mediation, it will be necessary to decide on a meeting-place, tentatively suggested as either London or The Hague. Ascertain Portuguese reactions to this. You will renew `in the strongest manner' your instances that no hostilities be begun by King of Portugal. King of Spain will be similarly urged. Encloses correspondence from Harrington and Walpole (wanting). Despite Portuguese request, Queen does not think it either proper or necessary to make any alterations in your former orders, and does not take seriously the King of Portugal's professed fear of an attack by Spain. They are to try to make the King grateful for the support he has already received, which was enough to induce the King of Spain to refrain from attacking and to accept the profferred mediation. Rough draft with many alterations and deletions. Encloses letters from Lord Harrington (ff.176, 180).

Date and place: 1735 Sept 16 London.