_ 173 _ abroad, and he paid them with that. They can come to grief in this way and if there are a few remaining, the Arabs may act like those of Aden. By trading with them, Basra will become so strong and wealthy that it will be impossible ever to uproot them from there, because the Turks are great merchants, and Baghdad is close. Therefore, no kind of trade or contact should be allowed with them since, in addition, they are very [...], while we are very careless and greedy. As for the trade in drugs, they will continue to have no outlet while I am here. Your Lordship will perform a great service to His Highness, as they only protest about pepper and drugs, which are taken through Basra and so have fewer for Portugal. This, Sir, is truly my opinion, which is for the service of God and Our Lord the King. I therefore sign here. João de Magalhães
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