A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. — John Locke — John Shaqi
A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II.
John Locke · en
In the afternoon, Whitelocke attended the Queen, who excused her not
having conferred with him about his treaty. Whitelocke told her, that,
if it were now seasonable, he had them ready, and they might read them
over together; whereunto she consented, and he read them to her.
She took out a paper of notes, written with her own hand in Latin, her
observations upon the articles.
1. After Whitelocke had read the first article, she said there was
nothing therein which needed explanation.
2. The second, she said, would require consideration, and read out of her
notes the words "communis interesse," which she desired Whitelocke to
explain what was meant by them. He told her those words included matter
of safety and matter of traffic. She then demanded why the Baltic Sea was
named as to free navigation, and not other seas likewise. Whitelocke said
the reason was, because at present navigation was not free in the Baltic
Sea; but if she pleased to have other seas also named, he would consent
to it. She asked if he would consent to freedom of navigation in America.
Whitelocke told her he could not, and that the treaties of the
Commonwealth were comprehended within the bounds of Europe. She asked him
what he thought the Protector would do in case she demanded that liberty.
He said, his Highness would give such an answer as should consist with
the interest of England, and show a due regard to her Majesty.
3. This third article she said she would agree unto, but she thought it
necessary that a form should be agreed upon for certificates and letters
of safe-conduct, that ships might pass free upon showing of them.
Whitelocke said, he thought there would be no need of them, especially if
the peace with the Dutch were concluded. She replied, that if the war
continued it would be necessary.
4. She said she thought there would be no need of this article, and read
another which she herself had drawn in Latin to this effect--"That if any
hereafter should commit treason, or be rebels in one country, they should
not be harboured in the other." Whitelocke said, the article was already
to that purpose, and he thought it necessary for the good of both
nations. She said, it would be too sharp against divers officers who had
served her father and herself, and were now settled in Sweden. Whitelocke
offered that amendment which he before tendered to the Chancellor, which
when she read, she told Whitelocke, that might include all those men whom
she mentioned before. Whitelocke said, that, upon inquiry into it, he
found not one excepted by name from pardon. She said, for anything to be
done hereafter, it was reasonable, and she would consent to it.
Whitelocke said, that if any hereafter should come into her country, who
were excepted from pardon, it was also reasonable to include them in this
article.