12. The British Minister to France attempted to prevent the execution of Beaumarchais’ plan
The British Minister to France at the time was David Murray, Viscount Stormont. He was experienced in the intrigues of European courts, having previously served as minister in both Warsaw and Vienna. Vergennes’ claims of complete ignorance of the business conducted by Hortalez et Cie did not persuade him of the innocence of the French court. He continued to protest, urging Vergennes to curb what appeared to him to be covert aid to the Americans. He did not go so far as to threaten hostilities between Britain and France, but he threatened to break diplomatic relations. He also reminded Vergennes of the power of the British Navy and the remoteness of the French Caribbean colonies.
Vergennes responded with the passage of several trade regulations which impeded the ability of Beaumarchais to move martial goods to the Americans. When Beaumarchais protested to the French minister, he was reminded that the nature of his business was covert. Essentially Beaumarchais was told to break the law, but that he did so at his own risk. The risk included the threat of severe punishment if he was caught, necessary to avoid embarrassing Louis XVI. Beaumarchais’ operations were also threatened by the parade of French and other foreign officers in Paris. Their loose talk while they awaited travel arrangements to carry them to America nearly upset the entire scheme in November, 1776