1734/5.
Jan. 6.
London. |
614. Mr. Coope to Mr. Popple. Is unable to attend the Board on Tuesday, but sends General Mathew's observations on the French and Dutch Treaty of Neutrality (relates to St. Martin and St Bartholomew. v C.S.P.Dec.24, 1734).Continues:—The General came to a sight of this Treaty by sending to the Dutch Governor for it, and he observes, that by the first article there must be a chicane and the copy sent him a false one; it being ridiculous to say that if a war was against both Holland and France, they would help each other, that is in course. But this treaty must mean that if there were a warr against Holland or France, they would help each other. It's otherwise not a neutrality but a defensive treaty. [But see the Treaty, C.S.P., Dec. 24, 1734.Ed.] Tho' the 2nd and 3rd Articles only bind themselves, it's hoped that notwithstanding this treaty, we may take wch. of either of them comes in our way. The fourth is a vile French article. If they can't send their negroes thither it's because these islands are too far for them. But our allies the Dutch need not have provided, that in case of necessity, their next neighbours (the English) shou'd not send a few of their best negroes thither, and that they wou'd not receive them. This article is the more ungratefull, in regard the Dutch in time of Peace subsist only as long as St. Christophers will let them have water for their vessells, that carry on at Sta. Eustatia that vile trade with the French, against their King's edicts, wch. undoes us. But the snake is here, as he most justly remarks, M. Champigny has foisted in a neutrality for St. Bartholomews in the 5th article, so that with the careenage of that island, where there is a fine small harbour, within 2 hours sale of St. Christophers, and with cover for French privateers at St. Martins not above 3 hours sale from St. Christophers, a vessel can't sail from Monserat, Nevis or St. Christophers for Great Britain or Ireland, without being liable to be taken by the French privateers wch. have these snugg waiting places given them by the Dutch, but not to be touched by the English etc. This treaty etc. may produce irretrievable ruin to the foresaid Sugar Colonye, especially if it is considered the further use wch. the French will make of St. Thomas and another intended Danish settlement at Sta. Crus, in case of a rupture. As the fondness between the French, Dutch and Danes in those parts, is of such a threatning nature, I doubt not but their lordships will contribute to defeat the bad purposes thereof etc. Signed, Ri. Coope. Endorsed. Recd., Read 7th Jan., 1734/5 .1 p. [CO. 152, 20. ff. 177, 180 v.] |
