Stormont, David Murray, Seventh Viscount

views updated

Stormont, David Murray, Seventh Viscount

STORMONT, DAVID MURRAY, SEVENTH VISCOUNT. (1727–1796). British ambassador to Versailles, 1772 to March 1778. Through an efficient net of informers, Stormont's task was to monitor secret French aid to the American rebels, while postponing open war for as long as possible. He made frequent protests against such aid and against the use of French posts by American privateers. As secretary of state for the Northern Department (October 1779–March 1782) and virtually foreign minister, he competently directed Britain's European affairs until the end of the war.

SEE ALSO French Covert Aid.

                              revised by John Oliphant