a, whom I have appointed my governor
and captain-general of the Philipinas Islands, and president of my
Audiencia therein. My royal Council of the Indias having examined
some letters from the said islands, I have resolved upon the following.

Since the Philipinas Islands are so far away and distant, surrounded
by so many great kingdoms of infidels, the entry and intercourse which
the Chinese and Japanese enjoy in Manila, and their friendly relation
with the natives, give us reason to fear that the former, allying
themselves with the natives, may attempt some disturbance, as they
are inclined to do. Considering the fact that the greatest security
and strength of the land lies in the Spanish settlement, and I have
heard that not only does it not increase but is not even maintained in
its previous condition--because, although the viceroys of Nueva Espana
are ordered to send reenforcements of men every year to the islands,
many people die from the bad climatic conditions of the land, others
are scattered in military expeditions, others must be permitted to
return (either because they have left families in their own country,
or because they cause injury to the commonwealth), and others go
there with no idea of remaining and have refused to become citizens:
considering all this, and seeing that it is a matter requiring much
attention, I charge and command you, in case this despatch shall
reach you in Nueva Espana, to consult the viceroy concerning all that
may pertain to the improvement of these conditions; or, in case you
receive it in the Philipinas, to do the same by writing, and to make
the arrangements and give the orders which you think best for the
settlement of the said islands, striving to draw the expenses from my
exchequer with the necessary moderation. I shall now write again to
the said viceroy, telling him to take care to provide the islands with
useful people, and permanent settlers; and, in order that such persons
may settle there, and remain in the islands, he shall favor them,
and see that the orders concerning the trade between the said islands
and Nueva Espana be carried out with exactness and rigor in order to
attain the end and purpose for which we allow this commerce--namely,
the preservation and prosperity of the islands, and the welfare of
their citizens and inhabitants. You yourself must attend to this with
much care, striving for the settlement of the said islands, and their
safety and tranquillity,