Επιστολή του προξένου της Βρετανίας στην Ζάκυνθο Waller Rodwell Wright (Ζάκυνθος 31 Οκτωβρίου 1804) προς τον Right Honorable Lord Harrowby Principal Secretary of State For Foreign Affairs με την οποία τον ενημερώνει για την περίπτωση της Ραγούζας και την ανάπτυξη του εμπορίου της με την βοήθεια των Ρώσων καθώς και για την διάθεση της Ρωσίας να επέμβει εμπορικά και να διεκδικήσει παρουσία σε όλη την Μεσόγειο. Συγκεκριμένα αναφέρει: I think it my duty to communicate to Your Lordship the substance of certain private suggestions, which I have lately received from various quarters, respecting the Republic of Ragusa.
Your Lordship is already too well acquainted with the natural and geographical advantages of the situation of that Republic, not to perceive that these circumstances must render it an object of considerable interest to the Emperors of Germany and Russia while the extent of its commerce gives it a degree of importance in the Mediterranean, wholly disproportionate from its limited territory.
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I have since my arrival in these Islands had occasion to learn, from such authority as I have much reason to rely upon, that the Government of the Republic in question are under the greatest apprehension best of the Emperor of Germany/having already extended his possession to their very borders) should, through the influence of certain powerful malcontents, whom he has found means to attack to his interest render himself Master of that small state, which of itself is incompetent to make any effectual resistance to such an attempt. And are persuaded that the annihilation of their political independence, would followed up by sacrificing their commercial interests, to promote those of the several ports which the Emperor has so earnestly labored to establish in his Hereditary Dominions.
Nor are they under less apprehension, from the increasing power and influence of Russia whose interference has already been solicited and obtained by their immediate neighbor, the Bishop of Montenegro, and whose naval power is daily accumulating considerable strength on that side, where it may prove most injurious to their commerce.
Viewing with jealousy the progress of that rival state, which has lately been erected in their vicinity, under the guarantee of so many powerful protectors, they are apprehensive that their commercial connections (which constitute indeed their whole subsistence) if not sacrificed to the policy of the court of Vienna will at no distant period be engrossed by the Settinsular Republic under the powerful auspices (not to say the direct dominion) of Russia.
Solicitous to preserve that disputability, which they have hitherto maintain, they are naturally led to direct their vies towards Great Britain; justly regarding that as the only power whose protection is able to save at once their commerce and independence.
Exclusively of the consideration how much the possession of Ragusa would facilitate the views of Russia on the Turkish dominions in Europe and contribute to transfer into her hands the command of the Adriatic, there is also another motive, which may perhaps induce her to entertain that project, and which is of much nearer import to the interest of Great Britain.
The number of vessels under the colours of Ragusa, at the lowest calculation, considerably exceed four hundred; being generally from 150 to 250 tons burden, affording employment to some thousands of excellent seamen. By means of which, the Republic carries on an extensive and profitable intercourse, with the several states and provinces which border on the Mediterranean.
To the cultivation of this object their whole attention has long been erected; and the most prudent means have constantly been adopted to insure success.
Your Lordship is doubtless acquainted with what anxiety Russia seeks all occasions to extend her commerce and her influence through every part of the Mediterranean; particularly in the Levant; and that, for this purpose, her Minister at Constantinople is even authorized to grant the protection of the Russian Flag, to all such vessels, fitted out from the Islands of the Archipelago, on the capes of the Morea, as are willing to put themselves under that protection – You will therefore readily perceive how considerably the direct or indirect recession of the commerce of Ragusa most augments the trade of such a rival and affect that of Great Britain; already part falling to decay in this quarter of the world.
It must be acknowledged, that the Flag of Ragusa, has been, and still is, very abused, as a cover for the projects of French subjects – an abuse, which, I am sorry to observe is too generally practiced under the sanction of more powerful nations, and which the cultivation of a more perfect understanding with this hitherto neglected state would, in the present instance, greatly counteract, if not wholly destroy. …
Και ο Waller Rodwell Wright συνεχίζει με αναφορά στην σημασία της Ραγούζας για το εμπόριο σε Αδριατική και Ιόνιο, αντιπαραβάλλοντας την σημασία της με αυτήν της Μάλτας για όλη την Μεσόγειο.