Series 1 > Diplomatic correspondence of Jean de Montereul and the brothers de Bellièvre, French ambassadors in England and Scotland, 1645-48 > Volume 1

INTRODUCTION
xiii
Christian Majesty, has not to consider the difference of
religion among those who serve, or may engage to serve, in
France; and inasmuch as the Churches of Scotland have
decided the contrary in their Assembly, that the Council of
Scotland issue a decree retracting it.1
The envoy, in his communication to the Council with these
demands, adds that he had orders from the King his Master to
make some other proposals, but as the above concerned the
maintenance or the rupture of the alliance between France
and Scotland, he is ordered to have a reply to them beforehand.
The following is the Council’s reply:—
‘Ed., 9 November 1643.—The Answer of the Counsell of Scot¬
land to the propositions given to them by Mons. de Boisivon
from the King of France.
‘To the First: When the Councell sail reseaue an accompt from
the Earle of Louthian of his proceedings in his employment in
France, they will then, according to their power, give suche ane
answer as may shew their willingnes to enterteanie and confirme
the ancient alliance betwix the kingdomes of Scotland and France.
‘ To the Second: The Councell can give no other ansr than
that the conserveing of peace betwix the two kingdomes is
Remitted by his Matie and Estates of Parlem* to a comission
appoynted for y4 effect, and that the convention of Estates
haveing reseaved some propositions frome Comissioners of both
houses of the Parlem4 of England for the farder secureing of the
Religion and peace of thir kingdomes: they have entrusted the
consideration yrof to ane Comittee of yr owne nomber, who the
Councell are confident will proceed in these affaires as becometh
thame in dutie and conscience toward God, in loyaltie to the
King and wth respect to the good of the kingdomes.
‘To the Third: As the Counsell have answered these princ11
proposions accordinge to their power and in suche sort as can give
no just occasion of offence to the King of France: Being willing
inviolablie to keepe that amitie y* has beene so religiouslie
observed this manie ages. And they are confident that the
Queen-Regent, and those who have the charge of the King of
France in his nonage, will be better advysed than to make these
particulars ane occasion of breach wth his ancient allies whome his
royal predecessors in greatest difficulties have found to be their