But supposing these two points settled, there remains another equally important, that is the statu quo. Neither France nor Spain have any reason to reject it, so far as they are individually concerned. This is not the case with the Americans. To be satisfied of this, we need only cast our eyes upon the points, that the British troops actually occupy upon the continent of North America. The question, then, will be to obtain the consent of the United States, and this consent can only be demanded by the two Courts that offer their mediation, for the reasons that have already been urged.
"Article iv. This plan of negotiation being adopted by all the parties, the belligerent powers shall request the mediators to open the conferences of the Congress, and shall without delay give their respective plenipotentiaries such full powers and instructions, as they shall judge necessary for the success of the negotiation."
The King will conform himself, with as much pleasure as earnestness, to this Article, as soon as the preliminary basis shall be irrevocably established, agreeably to the observation above mentioned. And the King will then authorise his plenipotentiaries to treat immediately of the Preliminary Articles, which should lead to a cessation of hostilities; and, as soon as these Articles shall have been agreed to, to labor with zeal and assiduity for the early conclusion of a definitive treaty. The high mediators may be assured, that his Majesty will facilitate this double task by every means, which he shall deem compatible with his dignity, with his interest, and with those of his allies; and that as far as depends upon him, they will acquire the glory of having established, upon a solid and unalterable basis, the peace and tranquillity of every part of the world.
FOOTNOTES:
[2] Austria and Russia proposed to act as mediators for a general peace about the beginning of the year 1781. Some particulars on this subject will be found in John Adams's Correspondence, Vol VI. p. 98;—also in Flassan's Diplomatic Française, Vol. VII. p. 300.—The papers here inserted are imperfect, but they are all that could be found in the Department of State. They will serve to illustrate that part of the preceding communication of M. de la Luzerne, which relates to the proposed mediation.
No. 2.
The Answer of the Court of London to the Preliminary Articles proposed by the Mediating Courts.
I am authorised to return an answer to the paper, which, by order of your Court, you delivered me, and of which I have given an account to his Majesty.
The answers marked A and B,[3] which I have the honor to submit to you, explain the unalterable sentiments of the King, upon points essential to his dignity, and demonstrate the reasons, that obliged his Majesty to decline the plan proposed, so far as it relates to his rebellious subjects. The King knows the justice and the impartiality of the mediating Courts, and he considers the plan with that spirit of conciliation which they give birth to. But his Majesty cannot but see it in a very different point of view, from that in which it appeared to the august mediators when they supposed it admissible in all points.
The King persuades himself, that after having considered it again, they will not entertain the same judgment relative thereto as heretofore; and that they will even cease to wish that it should be admitted, since, from their intention, as well as from the principles, which they have laid down with so much wisdom, and which the King adopts altogether, it necessarily results, that everything inconsistent with the dignity of his Majesty, the essential interests of his nation, and the rights of his crown, is inadmissible. A just and honorable peace with the belligerent powers, under the mediation of the two Imperial Courts, is the first object of his Majesty's wishes. The King knows, that the two august mediators will pursue the great work, that they have undertaken, with the same sentiments, which induced them to engage therein, the desire of being useful to the belligerent powers; and his Majesty hopes, that their generous care will be crowned with success, and that they will serve to reconcile all the sovereigns at war, by a safe and honorable peace, which it shall be the interest of all parties to accept, and which shall not wound the dignity of either of them.