[542] Luckwaldt, op. cit., 66, 67.
[543] Wittichen (78, 79) holds that Frederick William’s hesitation came from concern about the Fürstenbund or the hope that France would join in a peaceful mediation in Holland.
[544] Lusi’s report of 17th July 1787. Luckwaldt, op. cit., 68.
[545] “F. O.,” Prussia, 11. Carmarthen to Ewart, 17th July. There is nothing in this despatch which warrants the statement of the editor of the “Malmesbury Diaries” (ii, 339 n.) that we then offered Prussia armed support if France attacked her, and promised to make a demonstration with forty ships of the line. That was not proposed until the middle of September, in reply to French threats.
[546] “F. O.,” Austria, 14. Keith on 3rd August stated that the Emperor was friendly to us, but he was the ally of France, though he would not act with her in the Dutch Question.
[547] “F. O.,” Prussia, 11. Carmarthen to Ewart, 27th July.
[548] Wittichen, 81, shows that Wilhelmina herself worked hard to dissuade her brother from a mediation conjointly with France.
[549] “F. O.,” France, 25. Eden to Carmarthen, 4th August 1787.
[550] Ibid., 8th August.
[551] “F. O.,” France, 25.