[1] Prior to the War of the Spanish Succession, the Kingdom of Sardinia had consistently been under the personal union of the King of Spain (and previously of Aragon).

[3] However, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the Austrians occupied Sardinia and the crown passed into the hands of Charles VI.

[1] Emperor Charles VI renounced all familial claims to the Kingdom of Spain, which allowed King Philip V to become the undisputed heir to the Spanish throne.

[1] Charles's decision mirrored that of Philippe, Duke of Orléans, who also renounced his claim to the Spanish throne during the Peace of Utrecht a decade earlier.

[1] "By virtue of the said Renunciation, which his Imperial Majesty made for the sake of the general Safety of Europe, and in consideration that the Duke of Orleans had renounced, for himself and his Descendants, his Rights and Pretensions to the Kingdom of Spain, on Condition that neither the Emperor, nor any of his Descendants should ever succeed to the said Kingdoms; his Imperial and Catholic Majesty acknowledges King Philip V. for lawful King of Spain and the Indies; and will likewise let the said King of Spain', his Descendants, Heirs and Successors, Male and Female, peaceably enjoy all those Dominions of the Spanish Monarchy in Europe, in the Indies, and elsewhere, the Possession whereof was secured to him by the Treatys of Utrecht..."[1]The Kingdom of Sicily, like Sardinia, was previously under Spanish rule.

The validity of the Austrian annexation of Sicily as a direct possession of Charles VI was subject to debate due to questions regarding its legitimacy.

[1] Grand Duke Gian de' Medici, who was bedridden and childless, was unable to assert these rights.

[1] The Sicilian segment of the island of Elba, including the township of Porto Logone, was to be ceded to the future heir to the Tuscan throne upon their ascension.

[1] The Spanish acknowledgment of the Sanction strengthened Charles's efforts to secure the Austrian succession for his daughter, Maria Theresa.

Philip V granted the Company permission to dock and resupply in Spanish territories worldwide, provided that the vessels presented the necessary documentation.

Austria, choosing financial support over military intervention, acted as a mediator between Spain and Britain in case of war.