Folio 219: Blaquiere to Rochford. During a conversation with Aiguillon and the Spanish...

Folio 219: Blaquiere to Rochford. During a conversation with Aiguillon and the Spanish ambassador, it transpired that Aiguillon had shown him the translation of a letter Blaquiere had handed to him [f.179]. Aiguillon later assured him that he had only read out the parts relating to Britain's desire for peace and nothing offensive to Spain. He had not shown him the letter. Encloses f.227 [the parts Aiguillon read to the Spanish ambassador]. Aiguillon said Spain's attitude had changed, though she would never forgive the humiliation of the Falklands. The duc de Duras is to be invested with the order of the Golden Fleece. New attempts have been made by France to draw nearer to Berlin. Aiguillon complained to Merci that the court of Vienna did not inform France of the convention with the Porte. Merci said that the Porte insisted on secrecy and there was nothing contrary to French interests. Blaquiere speculates that France will encourage Prussia to goad Austria into striking the first blow, thus releasing France from the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles and enabling her to offer Prussia a subsidy of the 7 or 8 millions, which she would have paid to Austria. No reports of activity at Brest. Breteuil is appointed to Naples.

Date and place: 1771 Nov 10 Fontainebleau.