a) Committee of Secret Correspondence

The inaugural committee of the Continental Congress for foreign alliances was named the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Established in 1775, this committee was responsible for covertly communicating with sympathizers in Great Britain and seeking support from foreign powers. Key figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Jay were involved in its operations. The committee’s diplomatic efforts were crucial in securing French support for the American Revolution. The creation of the Committee of Secret Correspondence marks an important step in the colonies’ move towards independence, highlighting the role of diplomacy and international relations in the Revolutionary War.