Our relations with Japon are broken up, because the Dutch with their accustomed scheming—­that king having been irritated on account of the religious who have preached the holy gospel from these provinces, and fearful of new conquest—­have converted into hate the old-time friendship.  The Japanese employ extraordinary harshness toward the Catholics; and although your Majesty has ordered my predecessors in so prudent and Christian a manner, by your royal decrees, not to allow the religious to go to Japon until the times change, they have been unable to prevent it; for the religious have imprudently embarked in secret, thereby causing more trouble than good.  They have thus left a deficiency in the missions of these provinces, where they have sufficient in which to busy themselves, since whole nations are heathens.  The measure that I believe to be practical is for your Majesty to command the provincials of the orders not to allow any religious to go to Japon for the present; for they only serve to irritate one who, if placated, will some day, when undeceived in regard to the Dutch malice, grant the liberty which he now denies.  Now and henceforth I shall endeavor to give Japon to understand your Majesty’s desire of good friendship and relationship.  In accordance with this I shall attempt the same with the provincials, and have them concern themselves in converting the Japanese and Sangleys who live among us, until your Majesty be pleased to order otherwise, [In the margin:  “This was provided for by writing to the governor to pay attention to this matter, and to arrange matters as may be most advisable.”]

The trade with Great China has also declined, because the Portuguese of Macan have become masters of it, as they are so near.  Being admitted here, contrary to all good government, they come here to retail the products which the said Sangleys formerly brought directly, whereby these provinces are suffering a great scarcity.  All of that results to our damage and to the advantage of China, because of the great advance in price over the [former] cheapness of their goods—­[an excess] which, moreover, they carry to their own land.  The relief that I believe can be had, although at its beginning some privation may be felt, is for your Majesty to prohibit the trade of Macan with Manila, and decree that no Portuguese be admitted in this government.  Besides the attainment of the aforesaid object, your Majesty’s duties will increase—­which is a matter worth consideration; for until now all has been expense. [In the margin:  “Collect the papers that we have upon this matter and those written upon it, and bring them here.”]