182 University of California Publications in History

onize the United States. They pointed out to Spain the probability
of aggression by the United States if offended, urged Ferdinand
and his ministers to ratify, and frankly explained that policy to
the United States ministers at Madrid and London."
 France was somewhat less definite, but anxiously pressed both
parties to avoid a breach. Irujo reported to the King and ministers
that the French ambassador at Madrid, Montmorency, Duke of
Laval, had urged that Spain make up her mind promptly in the
matter, in order to avoid the unfortunate results which it seemed
would necessarily follow any delay." He also stated, as is confirmed
by Forsyth's despatches, that Montmorency had appealed to For-
syth to agree to ratification without requiring the explanatory
declaration on the land grants. Montmorency "absolutely hooted"
at the possibility of Ferdinand's signing the supplementary para-
graph, and asked to be allowed to convey some indication that the
grants might be recognized."
 In that recommendation Montmorency followed closely the pol-
icy of his government as outlined by the new foreign minister,
Marquis Dessolle, to Albert Gallatin. The latter wrote in July,
1819, that Dessolle's disposition was very friendly and that
this Government is sensible of the danger which that of Spain would run by
not ratifying. The French Ambassador will give his advice accordingly, but
with what degree of energy and what effect, I cannot say: and, as it is only a
ratification for which they are anxious, he may also advise Mr Forsyth to ex-
change the ratifications without minding the land claima.-
Such a procedure appears consistent with the general policy of the
Powers to maintain peace in Europe and to further a pacification
of the Americas which might open the Spanish colonies to Euro-
pean trade. Whatever rivalries for that commerce might develop,
surely a war between Spain and the United States would be dis-
advantageous to all.
 Despite rumors then current, Russia seems to have been equally
amenable to the new arrangement. First reports had linked the
Czar's minister Tatistcheff with the maneuverings of Lozano de
Torres and Alag6n against the treaty. Earlier evidence of the Rus-
sian's antipathy to Wellesley and his interference in Spanish court
intrigues certainly make the existence of such a connection seem
plausible. Indeed, Count Pol6tica, the new Russian minister at
Washington, admitted to Adams that, despite official Russian dec-