MISSION OF THE FIRST RUSSIAN RESIDENT TO THE IMPERIAL DIET GEORG HEINRICH BÜTTNER IN 1757–1758

The article, based on unpublished materials from the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire, in particular the diplomatic correspondence of the College of Foreign Affairs, examines the main activities of the Russian mission to the Perpetual Diet of the Holy Roman Empire in Regensburg. This mission was established at the beginning of the Seven Years’ War at the request of Russia’s allies – Austria and Saxony. The tasks of the head of the mission, G.H. Büttner, included interacting with the diplomats of these powers and friendly France, as well as reporting news to Empress Elizabeth and the commander-in-chief of the Russian troops, Field Marshal S.F. Apraksin, concerning: the position of individual Imperial Estates in the pan-European conflict, the mobilization of the Imperial army against Frederick II, and the theatres of war and movements of military contingents. Special attention is paid to the procedure for the accreditation of the Russian resident and his ceremonial communication with the representatives of the Imperial Estates in Regensburg. The description of this procedure demonstrates that Büttner successfully presented his credentials to the Imperial Diet and conducted ceremonial visits with his colleagues in the diplomatic corps according to the established rules. The difficulties Büttner encountered in communicating with the Danish and Ansbach envoys were overcome through the efforts of well-disposed envoys of the influential Electors and Imperial princes. Despite his modest rank as a resident, Büttner was received by many imperial diplomats with the honours due to envoys and plenipotentiaries. This recognition testifies to the hopes placed on the Russian Empress Elisabeth Petrovna by certain circles in the Holy Roman Empire as a defender of German interests, as well as to Russia's increasing influence in Europe.