h our sentiment in regard
to it, and what is thought over there, and settle on the safest and
best The reasons why we who are here think that this is the best
route will be explained by the person who accompanies this.
It were best that the Portuguese help in the affair
First: It is important that his Majesty give the Portuguese a part in
this conquest, because they could greatly aid by the experience that
they have of the seas, lands, and people of these regions. Their army
should not come together with the Castilians, nor should the assault
be made from one side alone; but they should go by Canton, and the
Castilians should go by way of Chinchio, as nearly as possible at
the same time.
Second: His Majesty should appoint as commander of the Portuguese fleet
a person of such rank as to be above the viceroy of Yndia, or at least,
in no wise dependent upon him; for it is the universal complaint of
the Portuguese that the viceroys always hinder these great projects,
or turn them to their own profit by bringing into them their kinsmen
and dependents, or by other private interests such as are usual among
various persons, and are never lacking.
Third: This person should have his Majesty's definite and explicit
command, empowering him to take from Yndia, and from any fortress or
city in Yndia, so much as may be needed, not only of troops but also
of money, munitions, ships, and all other necessaries.
Fourth: This person should have an understanding with the commander
of the Castilian expedition both as to the time of the attack, and
whether they should meet later during the conquest, and for whatever
other question might arise between them during the progress of the
affair, which should need settlement. This should be very clear,
leaving no room for dissensions.
Fifth: If the Japanese who are to be taken on the expedition do not
wish to join the Castilians, and prefer to go in with the Portuguese,
since they already know them, and likewise because they get along
better, and the Portuguese treat them more as equals than is permitted
here [they may do so]. But if they wish to go with the Castilians,
let them come to Cagayan, and this will be arranged with them and with
the fathers of the Society of Jesus, who are to act as guides. [45]
Sixth: His Majesty should procure and bring about that the general
of the Society of Jesus should command and ordain to the fathers in
Japon, not to hinder the bringing of this
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