Folio 220: Stormont to Weymouth. All his intelligence sources point to the existence...

Folio 220: Stormont to Weymouth. All his intelligence sources point to the existence of some treaty or convention between France and the rebels. He believes that a treaty of commerce and a treaty of alliance were both signed on February 6th by Gerard (?Girard), acting as plenipotentiary for France, and by the commissioners from Congress. Unless Congress disavows them, war cannot be avoided. Other European nations may follow France's example. Stormont recommends demanding a categorical answer with respect to the treaty of alliance and to consider an unsatisfactory answer as equivalent to a declaration of war. One source states that a sudden attack on a British possession was an article in the treaty. Stormont suggests that a first blow by Britain's fleet would be the best course. He regards France and Spain as to-gether in their plans. To show impartiality he feels bound to state that Maurepas constantly affirms France's peaceful intentions and the reason for her preparations being for defence.

Date and place: 1778 Feb 18 Paris.