God Save the King.
No printed copy found. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 17, p. 454. Printed in "London Gazette," December 14, 1779.
[1780, December 20.]
[Relations of England to Holland.]
MANIFESTO.
George R.
Through the whole Course of Our Reign, Our Conduct towards the States General of the United Provinces has been that of a sincere Friend and faithful Ally. Had they adhered to those wise Principles which used to govern the Republic, they must have shewn themselves equally sollicitous to maintain the Friendship which has so long subsisted between the two Nations, and which is essential to the Interests of both: But from the Prevalence of a Faction devoted to France, and following the Dictates of that Court, a very different Policy has prevailed. The Return made to Our Friendship, for some Time past, has been an open Contempt of the most solemn Engagements, and a repeated Violation of Public Faith.
On the Commencement of the Defensive War, in which We found Ourselves engaged by the Aggression of France, We shewed a tender Regard for the Interests of the States General, and a Desire of securing to their Subjects every Advantage of Trade, consistent with the great and just Principle of Our own Defence. Our Ambassador was instructed to offer a friendly Negotiation, to obviate every Thing that might lead to disagreeable Discussion; and to this Offer, solemnly made by him to the States General, the 2d of November, 1778, no Attention was paid.