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3185. FRANCE, United States, England and.—

Our interest calls for a perfect
equality in our conduct towards these two
nations. [France and England]; but no preference
anywhere. If, however, circumstances
should ever oblige us to show a preference,
a respect for our character, if we had no


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better motive, would decide to which it should
be given.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. i, 436.
(P. 1785)