Diego Beloso

In the city of Manila, on the first day of August of the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-five, before Don Luis Perez Dasmarinas:  Have this petition and information presented, and let Captain Diego Beloso present a memorial of the number of troops and of other things which he desires and seeks as ambassador of the king of Canvoja, so that, having been examined by his Lordship, he may make the necessary provision.  Likewise let him propose the stipulations to be complied with by the king of Canvoja, and carried out, providing the aid which he seeks is sent.  Accordingly I have pronounced and signed this.

Luis Perez

Before me: 

Estevan de Marquina

Brief memorial by the ambassadors of the king of Canvoja

We, Captain Diego Beloso and Captain Gregorio de Vargas, declare that for the better understanding of this petition of the king of Canvoja for aid, there must be considered the matters which the said king told me, Diego Beloso, for the governor of Manilla, and which are now given in writing.  And we beg that they be examined with the rest in connection with this solicitation.

1.  In the first place that the king’s verbal instructions to Diego Beloso be examined, as they contain the substance of the embassy.

2.  In the second place the aid is sought to carry on offensive operations against no neighboring country, but only through this means to become Christian, and to defend himself, and keep the people in subjection; for, if the king were baptized without having Spaniards in the country, it would cause rebellion and desertion to Sian.  If he has Spaniards his own subjects will be obliged to join the faith, and neighboring kingdoms will abandon Mahoma.

3.  In the third place it must be considered that the said king is powerful and independent; and when he sent for this aid he was in all prosperity, and did not greatly fear the king of Sian, for he had beaten him before.  But he was merely sending for the Christians to declare his faith, and the contents of the letter of embassy were meant to satisfy his nobles.  He will be content with his kingdom alone, and will leave the Spaniards all that they may conquer, offering them his power in the future.

4. [Summarized:  Likewise should be considered the great faith which he has so long maintained, having supported religious of two orders, the Dominicans and Franciscans, in his country for thirty years with necessaries and servants, and sending occasionally to Malaca and Macan for Spanish messengers.  He has always helped all the Spaniards and other Christians who were in his country, and given the fathers license to preach over all the land.  He has exempted all converts from tribute, and bidden them give recognition to the fathers.  He has always listened to the wishes of the fathers and has sought to gather a number of Christians—­ordering all vessels which