Vacillating foreign policy of Charles I. Alliance between France
and the United Provinces, 1635. Cornelis van Beveren sent by the
States-General (March, 1636) to try in conjunction with the French
ambassador at Whitehall to draw England into a triple alliance.
Charles issues a Proclamation (April), prohibiting fishing upon His
Majesty's coasts and seas without a licence and payment of a toll.
John Selden's _Mare Clausum seu Dominium Maris_. Joachimi summoned
to the Hague. An English fleet sails north to enforce payment of
the toll. Instructions given to Joachimi. He returns and meets the
King at Woodstock, September 3. The King obdurate. Dutch squadron
sent to protect the fishermen. No collision between the rival
fleets. The toll uncollected. Van Beveren renews negotiations.
Offers Dutch co-operation in the Palatinate for withdrawal of
fishing proclamation. Charles undertakes not to enforce the
licence, but will not yield on question of the sovereignty of
the seas. Conference arranged at Hamburg for conclusion of a
quadruple Protestant alliance. Insincerity of Charles. Suspicions
of the Dutch. Difficulties, delays and intrigues. Failure of the
Conference. The King turns again to Spain. Sailing of Spanish armada
under Admiral Oquendo in 1639. Encounter with a Dutch squadron,
September 21. Driven to seek refuge in English waters. Battle of
the Downs, October 21. Total destruction of the Spanish fleet by
Tromp. Infringement of English neutrality. Indignation of Charles.
Aerssen sent over on a mission of conciliation. His diplomatic
skill and tact. The matter hushed up. The King has no alternative.
His bankrupt state. Compelled to summon Parliament. His domestic
complications and difficulties. Meeting of the Long Parliament.
Evidence to show that the King did not invite the Spaniards to take
refuge in English waters. They arrived unexpectedly and as unwelcome
guests. Heenvliet arrives in London to negotiate a marriage between
William, the only son of the Stadholder, and Mary, Princess Royal of
England. His overtures successful. The marriage takes place amidst
public rejoicings, May 12, 1641 PAGES 105-31.