Folio 256: Rochford to Shelburne. French finances are in bad condition. A scheme...

Folio 256: Rochford to Shelburne. French finances are in bad condition. A scheme for dispersing property in preparation for a general bankruptcy is planned. Pensions have been suspended, in order to build up funds for a war, if it should be thought advisable. Choiseul's position at court with the king is so strong, that no-one dares work against him. Soubise and Bertin are his most formidable enemies. They are intriquing to persuade the king to take his present mistress, madame Seran, to court and to install her on the same footing as Pompadour. Choiseul is on bad terms with her and his sister, the duchesse de Grammont, has cleverly succeeded in getting the apartments reserved for her allocated to madame Victoire. Rochford comments on Choiseul, business-like but not deep, prone to expedients. He wants peace for the time being and tries to keep Austria and Spain quiet, while building up for an opportunity to recover France's losses, when the time is right. He is `adored' by all the foreign ministers in Paris, except for those from the Netherlands, Sardinia, Russia and himself. The influence of the Parlements has waned, the clergy have less influence than ever. The army is not being increased but discipline is very severe. Porten will explain his plan for watching naval affairs. He again urges the need for a new treaty of commerce, with his reasons, and encloses ff.261, 263. Secret and confidential.

Date and place: 1767 May 7 Paris.