The interest of the Russian Empire in the island of Menorca during the eighteenth century (and 2)

Catherine II’s interest in Menorca became even more evident, if possible, in 1781, in the context of her minister Potemkin’s policy. The British historian William Coxe, who handled abundant diplomatic documentation, assures that England was willing in 1781 to cede the Island to the Czarina, in exchange for certain conditions.

Of course Russia always aspired to set foot firmly in the Mediterranean and her policy in this regard was constant. Then and after.

The conditions required were peace based on the provisions of Paris. The respective parties were to return to the state in which they were at that time, either through the restitution of the conquests made by both parties, or through exchanges of equal value. The French would stop offering their help of any kind to the Americans, to whom no foreign power would give protection.

The cession of Menorca would not take place unless these conditions were met. The treaty relating to this cession would be signed on the same day as the preliminary ones and, finally, would unite the two powers in a close alliance.

Source: The Lighthouse of Alexandria. Author: José L. Terrón Ponce.