[Extract]

. . . In answer to the memorandum presented by My Lord Stormont to this Court to deplore the alleged favor granted by France to the Rebels, and to their merchant ships and privateers, both by affording haven in its ports and by clandestinely giving them freedom to sell their prizes, this Court replied: that regarding merchant vessels, it did not wish to prejudice the commerce of French subjects; that there was no treaty obliging it to prohibit a mutual mercantile exchange with the Colonies; that regarding haven, it has never permitted it except for and during the time it was absolutely necessary because of heavy seas; that regard­ing permission to sell their prizes, it was never even granted, and that it was never the King's intention to favor the Rebels.

As a sequel to this answer orders were sent to all French ports not to permit American privateers making a stay unless for reason, and not to permit the sale of their prizes.

This went on to order the construction of six; ships at Brest, in­stead of 12 which had been ordered, and for, the majority of the politi­cians a new acknowledgement of the peaceful sentiments of this Court: but since it does not appear natural that it can I or will renounce the prodigious profit, which it now brings to the commerce of French sub­jects, under the present circumstances of the differences existing between the Colonies and England, it is believed that; the pretext of a stormy sea will serve as an excuse to give the Rebels more time to delay in these ports, and that the sale of prizes will continue to be done at sea, where there is freedom, and not on shore; in brief, that despite the new orders, things will happen as they have in the past. . . .

Paris 4 August 1777