Versailles 30 September 1775
[Extract]
Undoubtedly you think as I do that we cannot prevent the Court in London from stopping trade with the English colonies, and that we can raise no objection on this subject. As for the American vessels which will be able to reach Dunkerque or another one of our ports, nothing should hinder their entry;but in my opinion it will be advisable to prevent them from taking on any sort of war material.