_ 37 _ Therefore, Sir, I believe that whenever it is necessary, Our Lord will grant victory to His Catholic faithful who know how to keep them [the Mamelukes] out of here but the gentle natives who, as they say, “have neither bread nor stone” may do us harm. Skill must be used instead of force to find a solution to the problems we have with these people. And I believe the solution lies in bringing peace to all the land and allowing the natives to sail wherever they wish, impounding nothing and levying no taxes. This of course would result in great expense for us that we could not bear, but the costs could be reduced by paying local costs out of locally derived revenue: from the profits made on the confiscated goos, taxes and whatever else can be obtained; and the rest from the cargoes, landed property, and trade taken from the enemies of our holy faith. Sir, it seems to me that as the use of force has failed to solve the problem, perhaps the answer lies in using the opposite means, that is to say, cooperation, kindness and justice. To achieve this purpose, you should have a notice of pardon exhibited all along the coast stating that because of a misunderstanding on the part of your captains and officials, the people have been treated in an improper manner which displeased you as soon as you heard of
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