[At this point the aid of the old authors, Ptolemaeus and Plinius, is invoked to prove more conclusively that the distance was shortened by the Portuguese.  The summary of the document is as follows:]

Therefore in concluding, we assert, both on account of the reasons abovesaid, and for many others which incite us to this decision, that we find the location of the Malucos not to lie in the longitude declared by the deputies of the King of Portugal, but where we claim and prove by our sea chart.  Consequently we assert that they lie and are situated a distance of one hundred and fifty degrees west of the divisional line, as we have shown in these discussions.  It results then that the distance eastward from the said line to the said Malucos is two hundred and ten degrees, and according to this the ownership and seigniory of the Malucos pertain to their Majesties.  This is our vote and decision, and thus we declare to and notify the said deputies of the King of Portugal, that since our vote is just and in accordance with right, they conform to the same.  Don Hernando Colon, Fray Tomas Duran, Doctor Zalaya, Pero Ruiz de Villegas, Master Alcarez, Juan Sebastian del Cano.

I have read the above vote and decision of their Majesties’ said deputies in the presence of the deputies of the said King of Portugal.  Thereupon the said deputies of their Majesties and their secretary all said for themselves that their opinion is in accordance with the above, and they ordered us, the said secretaries to set it down in the records.  Then the said deputies of the said King of Portugal declared that they were opposed to the said vote and adhered to the writ presented by them yesterday, and to the one presented at this meeting today before the reading of the vote in question.  They said they had other reasons to offer, which they would not give today for lack of time, but would present tomorrow, Wednesday, the first of June.  They ordered us, the said secretaries to set it down thus in this record.  And we, the said secretaries being present at this declaration, set it down in this record, and sign it with our names.  Bartolome Ruiz de Castaneda.

The Portuguese deputies answered that they adhered to their proposition.  The formalities follow and the junta was adjourned, as was certified in the records by the secretaries Bartolome Ruiz de Castaneda acting for Spain, and Gomez Yanes Freytas for Portugal. [188]

Opinion Rendered by Don Hernando Colon in the Junta of Badajoz Concerning the Ownership of the Malucos