France our staunch ally. War popular because Britain is the enemy. France again at peak of power. Turkey and Russia friendly to France. By her negotiation France's position is even restored in Germany. We should strengthen our ties with France reserving to ourselves always the ability to judge our own principles of Gov. for the establishing of a great nation and a new world. England is weaker all t he time. We will always be rivals in the new world, in the fisheries and in trade. We are drawn to Netherlands by trade. We may be able to borrow money from her. The man sent should be prudent and of discretion. Netherlands are weak with no army and Navy. Spain is weak and the treaty between Spain and Portugal is deplored by England. Portugal is still under the influence of England, however. We will be able to trade with the Austrian port of Ostend. England has lost by all the events which have taken place in Europe and France has been aided by the American war. England and France are natural enemies and France and Germany natural friends. Russia, Sweden, and Denmark may have thought that they would be hurt by our revolution but they are happy at the thought of humbling Britain. Italy is weaker every day but may be of some use to us in trade. Sicily already open to American trade. Printed: S IV 311-325.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829