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Sir James Harris, Memorandum for Cabinet, May 9, 1785

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 December 2009

Extract

To state the situation of Europe as it appears from the Correspondence. It is such as claims equally the attention of England and Prussia.

Austria and France are united for views of mutual aggrandizement. Russia is closely connected with Austria, Spain with France. The Consequences of this formidable League are evident. They would be felt by all Europe in general, but more particularly by England and Prussia. It behoves therefore these two Courts to concert Measures for their reciprocal Safety. To compare their Information. To communicate their respective Ideas; and to examine how far it will be advisable for them to go to prevent the dangerous effects of this Confederacy.

It will be necessary, if England means to obtain a clear and explicit Answer from Prussia, that England should, on her side, be clear and explicit; and if after a fair Discussion of the present State of AiFairs it should come out that their Apprehensions are grounded, to say to what extent she is ready to go. Whether she means to confine her cooperations with Prussia merely to Negotiations and a confidential intercourse between their Ministers at the different Courts; whether she will advance a step farther and enter into eventual Engagements; or whether instead of adopting this uncertain and inefficacious Conduct, which appears unequal to the Importance of the Crisis, she will declare herself ready to meet the King of Prussia half way; and to enter immediately into an actual Alliance with Him, to oppose, under any Circumstances, the Effects of this Union between their natural Enemies.

Type
Political Memorandums
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Historical Society 1884

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References

page 113 note 1 This memorandum is dated May 9, 1785. The Cabinet met on the morning of May 10 (Malmesbury's Diaries, ii. 125). At this time the English Government were particularly anxious to obtain the co-operation of Prussia in their efforts to detach Holland from France. The King (loc. cit.) was in favour of sending Sir James Harris to Potsdam. The paper was written by Sir James Harris for the information of the Cabinet.

page 113 note 2 Count Kazeneek was Minister of the Emperor at the Court of London.

page 113 note 3 This is a reference to the proposed Bavarian exchange, as the league below refers to the league of princes, or Fürstenbund.