L. DE BRUNSVIC

lettre: i>xxiv.

W. Bentinck à Newcastle. Il craint que t Angleterre, ne rompe le traité de 167i.

April 27, Pague 1756.

I received by M*" Mitchell ') in his passage thro* the Hague compliments from your Grâce and assurances of your friendship, which gave me great pleasure and for which 1 return y ou my most hearty thanks.

I suppose your Grâce is fuUy informed bij Coll. Yorke of the situation of affairs and of the state of our délibérations bere. I will therefore not say any

') Peut-être le général J. W. du Faget van Assendelft, seigneur de Heinenoord.

*) Il était en route pour Berlin.

— 143 — [1756. Atril.

thing on that subject since it is not very agréable nor enticing to treat unless by absolute necessity. But one point I can not forbear mentioning toyour Grâce, which I hâve much at heart and which gives me great uneasyness. It is the appréhension that the mercantile interest of England raight overpower considérations of equal, if not of much greater weight. In duty and honour I must tell your Grâce that, if the treaty of 1674 is layed aside or explained away by England, the conséquences for the system will be such terrible ones that what ever may be gained by the rupture or even the suspension of this treaty or of any one article of it, will not make amends for what will be lost by it. In lô?^, when this treaty was made, the Republicq had just made up with England and was at war with France. The articles, which stipulate free ship, free goods and détermine wat is counterband and what not, were at that time to the advantage of England and prejudical of the Republick , and the Republick had then as strong reasons for not agreeing to thèse articles, if she had consulted her présent interest then alone, as England may at présent hâve for not executing them litterally. I do not suppose my opinion , which in the station I am in must pass for a partial one, will hâve any influence. But I déclare that, if England and the Republicq changed situations, I should in the like case plead for England in favour of the letter of the treaty just as I now do for the Republick. For my détermination is never to make nor tôt admit of commentary's treaty's. I heartily wish my appréhension may be groundless and hope your Grâce will forgive the freedom with which I open my self to you ....

W. BENTINCK

1756. Juin.) — 144 —