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THe Ambassadors Extraordinary, and Plenipo∣tentiaries of France, not thinking fit to give an answer at present to the Memorial of the Am∣bassadors of the States General of the 26th. of
this month, when they ought rather to consider how to remove the impediment that is risen to obstruct the conclusion of the Peace, than to enter into such particulars of actions and reasonings as may ex∣asperate, will say thus much onely, that since the States General declare themselves to be fully satisfied as to the sincerity of the intentions of the King their Master, and his Majesty is no less perswaded of their disposition towards a perfect reconciliation with himself, all that remains to be done, is to find the most ready means to perfect this great Work. To which end, the Ambassadors of France do now again assure the Ambassadors of the States General, that his Majesty will rea∣dily joyn with them in such expedients as shall be most proper to remove the difficulties that hinder the Signing of the Peace. The said Am∣bassadors of the States General may easily have observed that no other interest with-holds his Majesty, than that of the King his Ally, whose satisfaction is the only end that he proposeth to himself in this Affair. His Majesty is also willing to admit of any proposals to accommodate it, and questions not but that some expedient may be found, with which both himself and the States General may be satisfied. But to give a publick Instance of his real intentions for Peace, and of his unfeigned affection to the States General; his Majesty desires to hear himself what they can pro∣pose, to remove the impediments that stand in their way, and to joyn with them in. such expe∣dients as may equally answer the security, that both himself wisheth and they desire. To this purpose his Majesty thinks fit to advance as far as St. Quentin, whither such Deputies that they shall
resolve to send to him, may resort; and if they shall accept, as his Majesty believes they will, so beneficial an offer, his Majesty will be in that Town six days, after he shall have understood by his Ambassadors, that the States have agreed to send their Ministers thither: so that he and they may come thither at one and the same time. And as his Majesty doth not question but they will bring with them such sentiments as shall be just and reasonable, they will find his Majesty so fairly dispos'd, that they will have no cause left to question the Sincerity with which his Majesty hath begun and continued his endeavours for Peace.
But because the Ambassadors of the States Ge∣neral have remonstrated to those of France, at a conference held the 17th. of this month, that since his Majesties promise not to attaque any Place in the Low Countreys is expired, it will be necessary to take some measures to procure a Cessation of all Acts of hostility, whilst this Negotiation is on foot; the said Ambassadors have already re∣ceived instructions from his Majesty, to assure their Excellencies, that his Majesty will willingly agree with the Deputies of the States General, upon using all means that may prevent it's being in∣terrupted by Arms.
The said Ambassadors of France, cannot but think that it will be for the advantage of the States General, to discuss this affair with his Ma∣jesty, and to agree upon the Peace with him. But if they had rather treat of it nearer their own Fronteers, his Majesty gives them liberty to send their Deputies to Gand, where such persons as shall be there on his Majesties behalf, shall have power to Treat with them upon the difficulties than
are risen concerning the time for evacuating the Places, and to conclude upon such expedients as may both satisfie his Majesty, and content the States General, and also to agree forthwith upon a Ces∣sation of Hostility; so as no molestation may be given to such dispositions for Peace, as this Negocia∣tion may produce.