Ffeil C273. - [Sir] G[eorge] P[retyman], Downing Street, [London] to [Hugh] Griffith,

Apologies for delay in writing. The thanks of Gp and Pitt for HG's proposal of a tax on bankers; Pitt's intention is to increase the Stamp Duty on Bills of Exchange. Pitt has a scheme to prohibit the making of malt for private use; Wishes to know HG's opinion as to the effect of this on Wales. Gp believes the negotiations will end in peace, but expects 'warm work' in Parliament, especially from Charles Fox towards- Pitt. The difficulty of continuing with 3 parties in Parliament without a coalition of 2, Gp, as an independent observer, would like to see the present Government unite with Charles Fox and his friends; this seems unlikely, but everything depends on peace. Praises Pitt as a minister.