AARSSENS or AARSSEN, FRANCIS VAN Dutch diplomatist and statesman. Johan van Oldenbarneveldt sent him, at the age of 26 years, as a diplomatic agent of the States General of the United Provinces to the court of France. He helped to negotiate the 12 years' truce in 1606. Recalled from his post by Oldenbarneveldt in 1616, he was one of the "packed" court of judges who in 1619 condemned the aged statesman to death. For his share in this judicial murder a deep stain rests on the memory of Aarssens. He was confidential adviser on foreign affairs to Maurice, prince of Orange, and afterwards to Frederick Henry, and was sent on special embassies to Venice, Germany and England.