_ 504 _ According to this Jew, and from what I learned in Constantinople and en-route, from Matias Becudo’s account, the business of the galleys in Suez was slow and their number tallied with what the said Becudo had reported. For these reasons, it seems that from the news brought by Matias Becudo from India, and from what is understood here from several letters of private individuals from Lisbon,, no extraordinary expenses should be sent to India before March. With regard to Basra, it seems that some course other than pretence needs to be taken, because pretense increases the harm done and thereby makes trade impossible later on. The decision to storm that fortress and expel the Turks completely from the Straits or to make stable and enduring peace with them if no other course is possible presents plenty of problems for both sides. Your Highness should order everyone to examine it, and God will suggest what is best. In letter number 4 which I wrote on 19th of last month, Your Highness will see how eager the Pope is to send someone to Prester John with the idea of inviting him to
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