ACCOUNTING, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND TREATY

a trading contract between the kingdoms of Great Britain and Spain under which the British would supply slaves to the Spanish colonies in Latin America for 30 years. The Asiento was operated by the South Sea Company and became a vehicle for the pursuit of illicit trade by its senior officials. Under the Asiento the SSC was bound to report on financial performance to the Spanish Crown but frequently failed to do so. This breaching of the terms of a bilateral treaty was a significant factor in the souring of relations between Spain and Britain during the 1730s which ultimately culminated in the War of Jenkins ’ Ear in 1739. Drawing on archival material in Seville and London as well as secondary sources the paper illustrates the significance of accounting in an episode of diplomatic history. The importance of accounting in this arena stems from its potential as a technology of treaty verification and compliance. The study explores how attempts to resolve conflicts over accounting for the Asiento were made through the establishment of international forums, bilateral discussions and on-site monitoring