United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Congress will have to come to a decision concerning whether to accept the
treaty negotiated as it was without the knowledge of France and one article of which is
still concealed from our ally. Our negotiators felt they had reason to suspect the
sincerity of the court of France. Thinks Britain wanted the secret article to detach
America from France. We should prefer Spain to Britain because the ally of France.
Laurens was not so suspicious and Vergennes not unhappy at our favorable terms. We must
not contradict our own resolutions, thus forfeiting the friendship of France. The French
minister should see the secret article. We accept the secret article but the treaty not
to go into effect until one agreed on between Britain and France.
