Folio 187: Harcourt to Rochford. Aiguillon was appreciative of Britain's intention...

Folio 187: Harcourt to Rochford. Aiguillon was appreciative of Britain's intention of reducing the garrison of Port Egmont [Falkland islands] to 20 marines and the number of seamen to 40. Harcourt told the Spanish ambassador he hoped Spain would now be convinced that Britain had no designs on Peru and Mexico. He quotes a report just received. The object of the Treaty of Commerce between France, Spain and Portugal is to force out Britain from Portuguese trade. The greatest benefit goes to France. There are details of the squadron to be formed in the spring. Boynes hopes the marine corps will be ready at the end of April. The command of an expedition to the Pacific may not go to Bouganville. Hamburg has asked for help against the English in coastal trade. Naval reforms have made Boynes popular. St. Priest, ambassador to Turkey, wrote to Boynes that Turkey promised France priority in trade in the Levant and France has appointed more consuls. End of report. The marquis de Clermont [minister to Portugal] and Sousa have both received the character of ambassador. Clermont was retained being nephew of the duc de Fitzjames. The only reason for the up-grading was to establish the treaty. Vienna has given up the claim to Belgrade.

Date and place: 1772 Mar 11 Paris.