on the general subject with the ambassadors was approved by the archdukes, because they believed the sovereigns of France, England, and Denmark, their sincere and affectionate friends.  The commissioners were instructed to domesticate themselves as much as possible with President Jeannin and to manifest the utmost confidence in his good intentions.  They were to take the same course with the English envoys, but in more general terms, and were very discreetly to communicate to them whatever they already knew, and, on the other hand, carefully to conceal from them all that was still a secret.

They were distinctly told to make the point of the Catholic religion first and foremost in the negotiations; the arguments showing the indispensable necessity of securing its public exercise in the United Provinces being drawn up with considerable detail.  They were to insist that the republic should absolutely renounce the trade with the East and West Indies, and should pledge itself to chastise such of its citizens as might dare to undertake those voyages, as disturbers of the peace and enemies of the public repose, whether they went to the Indies in person or associated themselves with men of other nations for that purpose, under any pretext whatever.  When these points, together with many matters of detail less difficult of adjustment, had been satisfactorily settled, the commissioners were to suggest measures of union for the common defence between the united and the obedient Provinces.  This matter was to be broached very gently.  “In the sweetest terms possible,” it was to be hinted that the whole body of the Netherlanders could protect itself against every enemy, but if dismembered as it was about to be, neither the one portion nor the ocher would be safe.  The commissioners were therefore to request the offer of some proposition from the States-General for the common defence.  In case they remained silent, however, then the commissioners were to declare that the archdukes had no wish to speak of sovereignty over the United Provinces, however limited.  “Having once given them that morsel to swallow,” said their Highnesses, “we have nothing of the kind in our thoughts.  But if they reflect, it is possible that they may see fit to take us for protectors.”

The scheme was to be managed with great discreetness and delicacy, and accomplished by hook or by crook, if the means could be found.  “You need not be scrupulous as to the form or law of protection, provided the name of protector can be obtained,” continued the archdukes.

At least the greatest pains were to be taken that the two sections of the Netherlands might remain friends.  “We are in great danger unless we rely upon each other,” it was urged.  “But touch this chord very gently, lest the French and English hearing of it suspect some design to injure them.  At least we may each mutually agree to chastise such of our respective subjects as may venture to make any alliance with the enemies of the other.”