Folio 104: Thompson to Newcastle. Has delivered George II's private letters; despite...

Folio 104: Thompson to Newcastle. Has delivered George II's private letters; despite renewal of Prusso-Russian treaty the Czarina has reportedly declared her readiness to support Maria Theresa against Prussia. French ministers have not rebuffed Prussian overtures, and have indicated that they might support Prussian claims on Silesia; France may encourage Sweden to oppose Russia, and Prussia to give subsidies to Bavaria; French plan to send army of observation to the Rhine under Belle-Isle to give weight to her views; German princes resented French minister's expressing opposition to Francis Stephen's candidature; Spanish troops assemble in Catalonia; Fleury seems inclined to permit transit but Savoy's assent must also be obtained; France will try to gain support against Francis Stephen in the Empire, or try to defer the election; France will probably seek to further the interests of Spain, Bavaria, Savoy and Prussia, and may try to obtain Luxembourg; Fleury believes the English are planning to establish military bases in Italy in support of Francis Stephen [and Austria]; Spanish merchantman arrives from Vera Cruz, where Spaniards are alerted against British attack; evidence of ill feeling between Saxony and Austria.

Date and place: 1741 Mar 1 Paris.