Folio 212: Harcourt to Rochford. He was shown important papers. He and Blaquiere...

Folio 212: Harcourt to Rochford. He was shown important papers. He and Blaquiere took a rough copy, before they were returned to the office from which they had been taken [ff.216 to 233]. He sees the able hand of Law in trying to extend French commerce in India at the expense of British - the suppression of the old Compagnie des Indes, the fortifications on the Isle de Bourbon and at Pondicherry. France is determined to profit from the mismanagement of the British company, if the British government does not put an end to the abuses and outrages charged against the company's servants. He quotes a report (in French) just received. By suppressing pensions above a 1000 livres, Boynes acquired money for the navy. He wants to establish a squadron at Brest and Rochefort of 12 ships of the line, ready to sail at 8 days notice. The Indians are exhausted under the English yoke. If the French could help them, the English would lose the whole country. With the Treaty of Commerce with Portugal, France would have to take the tobacco Portugal hitherto sold to England. France wants to ruin England's trade with Portugal. English goods are more expensive than French ones, which will benefit Portugal. The best way to fight Britain is by attacking her commerce, (end of report). Goltz is to return to France with the rank of ambassador.

Date and place: 1772 Mar 18 Paris.