 Talks on ending the Nine Years' War began in 1694, but were only completed in 1697, after Louis negotiated directly with William.As a result, they placed great faith in a similar process to prevent war over the succession, but it excluded Austria and Spain, the two parties most affected.Initial discussions were held in Paris between the Earl of Portland and the Marquis de Pomponne, followed by more substantive talks at The Hague beginning in May with Anthonie Heinsius, Grand Pensionary of Holland, and the French foreign minister, the duc de Tallard.