_statu quo_ by itself, independent of the remaining part of the
proposition, can either be adopted or rejected; and after having
weighed with the greatest impartiality the inconveniencies and
advantages, which may result from the acceptation of their
propositions, it has consequently appeared to them, that nothing could
better suit the respective interests of the belligerent powers, as
well as their general and particular circumstances. They still persist
in that opinion, and from the sincere interest, which they take in the
circumstances of all the belligerent parties, they cannot but wish,
that they might still admit between themselves, with such
modifications as they should think proper, the Articles, which have
been proposed to them, and which, as his Most Christian Majesty well
observes, are not Preliminary Articles, as in the nature of things
they could not be such, but which can no less be the means, not only
of bringing on at one moment or other the conclusion of a preliminary
treaty, but perhaps even that of peace, a speedy return of which is so
much to be wished for.

The two Imperial Courts have thought, that in return for the
confidence, with which his Most Christian Majesty has expressed
himself in his answer, they ought to show as much in exposing to him
the light, in which they have seen the step they have taken in
proposing the Articles, which they have caused to be communicated to
him, and which they still persist in holding out, that the belligerent
parties may still be able to adopt what has been proposed to them, or
if not, to communicate some other idea, which may be productive of the
same good effects, or of happier ones if possible. His Most Christian
Majesty may be persuaded beforehand, that in that case they will with
the greatest zeal make such use of it as they shall think most useful
and convenient. Nothing can certainly add to the sincerity, with which
they will take care to justify on every occasion the confidence, which
the high belligerent parties have shown in accepting their mediation.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] The answer of the Court of Madrid is missing.

* * * * *

No. 5.

_Answer of the Court of France to the Reply of the Mediators._

Translation.

The King has received, with equal sensibility and gratitude, the
answer of the two mediating Courts; his Majesty regards it as a new
proof