Mitteilungen des Österreichischen Staatsarchivs 42. (1992)
BLACK, Jeremy: British policy towards Austria, 1780–1793
Jeremy Black tude to Britain28). It was therefore somewhat ironic that Joseph was praised in the British press, ‘The most popular Prince in Europe at present is the Emperor of Germany. In Hungary (where his mother was the first sovereign of the House of Austria that the Hungarians could endure) he is beloved; in the Netherlands ... he is received with joy, bordering on enthusiasm; in every other country in Europe he is most sincerely respected; but in the Austrian dominions, where he is best known, he is idolized; and what is most singular, there is not a people who have heard of his virtues, that admire and respect him more than the English, though they have so great an aversion to unlimited monarchy29).’ In early 1782 Stormont returned to the theme of using Austria to influence Bussia and sought, as numerous earlier ministers had done, to persuade Vienna to see Europe in terms of a struggle against French influence. However, his tone was pessimistic, ... 1 am afraid no real assistance can be expected from the court of Vienna, who are wedded to the system they have embraced, and will not suffer themselves to see how much their own interests are concerned in the great contest in which we are engaged, and how much every great power in Europe, France alone excepted, would be affected by Great Britain losing the weight she has hitherto had in the general scale. Without taking an active part himself, the Emperor could render us most essential service by insinuating to the Empress of Russia, the propriety of her standing forth upon this occasion... I am well aware that nothing of this kind can be suggested by you to Prince Kaunitz, but if the Emperor and his ministers can once be brought to see the actual situation of the country and that of Europe in a proper light, such a measure may be the result of reflections arising in their own mind30).’ Stormont’s pessimism led him to welcome the Austro-Russian alliance, while appreciating that it would be of no immediate benefit to Britain. However, he was hopeful that the gathering crisis in the Balkans would strain Austro-French relations, an essential precondition, in Stormont’s 28) Frederick to Riedesel, 19 Sept., Riedesel to Frederick, 26 Sept. 1781: Politische Correspendenz 46, 161, 189; Stormont to Keith, 10 Aug. 1781: PRO London FO 7/3; Joseph II to Mercy, 11 Sept. 1780: Correspondance secrete du Comte de Mercy-Argenteau II 361-2. 29) English Chronicle: or, Universal Evening Post 24 July 1781. Keith wrote to his cousin that Joseph was ‘indeed an example to all Sovereigns’ Keith to Francis Honour, 9 Jan. 1782: Huntington Library San Marino California Manuscript 18940 (hereafter Huntington San Marino 18940) p.214. 30) Stormont to Keith, 15 Jan. 1782: PRO London FO 7/4. 196
