Item
Duplicate of SP 78/278 f.252 [see also SP 78/f.250].
Catalogue reference: SP 78/279/3
Date: 1769 nd
Duplicate of SP 78/278 f.252 [see also SP 78/f.250].
Sub-series
SP 78/286-295
Catalogue reference: Sub-series within SP 78
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Sub-series within SP 78
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Reference (The unique identifier to the record described, used to order and refer to it)
- Sub-series within SP 78
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Title (The name of the record)
- SP 78/286-295
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Note (Additional information about the record)
- These volumes consist mainly of correspondence between the Secretary of State for the Southern Department and the embassy in Paris. The period covered is from the beginning of September 1772 to the end of April 1775. The Secretary of State for the wholeperiod was the Earl of Rochford and the Ambassador, except for the first six weeks, Viscount Stormont, with Colonel Horace St. Paul, Legation Secretary and charge d'affaires, acting in his absence. Colonel Blaquiere continued as Legation Secretary until the arrival of St. Paul in September 1772. The principal issues of concern to Great Britain were France's intentions in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and America. In Northern Europe the King of Sweden overturned the constitution. France, Sweden's ally, feared that Russia would attack Sweden, when the war with Turkey ended. Meanwhile the partitioning powers were encroaching further in Poland. Britain warned France against any naval intervention in the Baltic. The British embassy sent back reports about the course of the Russo - Turkish war, Russian demands, the attitude of Austria, the Turkish reaction [288/192] and the final peace terms. France, who consistently urged Turkey to continue the war, was suspected by Britain of arming a fleet at Toulon to act either with Spain against the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean or to sail into the Baltic. Britain tried all she could to find out about French and Spanish naval preparations and warned France that, if a French fleet sailed, a British fleet would confront it. How seriously Stormont viewed the situation is shown by 287/140-160. But much of the intelligence sent back from France was unreliable, contradictory and alarmist. In the end France was deterred from action, which might have led to war. Other areas, where there were differences between Britain and France were: America, Britain suspected that France was helping the rebellious colonists. Canada, the liquidation of the Canada paper claims was at last settled. Dunkirk, continuing disagreement about the legality of repairs to quays. India, where the Compagnie des Indes and the Controller General delayed payment to the British East India company for the maintenance of French prisoners of war and where plans were proposed by Chevalier for attacking British interests. Spain and Portugal, Britain and France both feared the outbreak of war between Spain and Portugal over South America, as Britain was bound to support Portugal and France, because of the family compact, Spain and a general war would follow. West Africa, where French traders infringe British rights. The embassy reported fully on the situation at the French Court, on personalities, intrigues and gossip, much of it based on hearsay or rumour. Towards the end of the reign of Louis XV the influence of `the Lady' -madame du Barry- and of Aiguillon predominated. Then came the death of Louis XV from smallpox and the banishment of du Barry. Mention is made of the Englishman, Sutton the inoculator, who was called too late to the dying king but was consulted over the inoculation of Louis XVI and his brothers. With the new young king there were more intrigues by those who sought the favour of the Queen and who hoped for the return of Choiseul. In due course changes were made. Maurepas became, in effect, First Minister and Vergennes succeeded Aigiullon. Turgot became Controller General. His attempts to make reforms and his difficulties are described, as are the poor state of French finances. The struggle for power began with the princes of the blood and some members of the government working for the recall of the Old Parlement and the dismissal of the Chancellor, the hated Maupeou. Although it seemed likely to weaken his authority and the prerogatives of the Crown, the King agreed at a lit de justice [294/61]. Folios which may be of particular interest are 293/35, the funeral oration for Louis XV, 289/226, a Pastoral Letter for the suppression of the Jesuits and 290/27, the judgement of the Court Martial of Colonel de Bellegarde for selling ordnance. The European power based on Vienna is variously referred to and these references are indexed under Austria, court of Vienna, unless the Empire is clearly intended. There are lists of ambassadors and other representatives and ships.
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Record URL
- https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/C78247/
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SP 78
Secretaries of State: State Papers Foreign, France
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