_ 25 _ From Rias Pasha, Governor of Baghdad, to Ali bin Alian, King of [Gizaira]. After all his courtesies and following his custom, he said, In all this time, you and I have maintained a great friendship and we are also very close neighbours. The caravans come and go to and from both countries. Now, on a certain day, the King my lord ordered me to go and capture Basra. From there I was to go to Ormuz and India to fight against the misguided Portuguese, liberate them from their odious religion and kill them. My men were to leave immediately, ready and fully equipped with what they needed in heavy artillery and ships, and travel overland by the [Zaquia] route. We agreed to meet each other in [Carna], near you, and from there make our way by land to take Basra from the river. Since I resolved these matters by myself, I am letting you know of my decision in this letter. I have informed you so that you may know where I stand and also that I am your friend. I am telling you to fulfill your honour, obey my King and be numbered among his friends, because you will receive from him nothing but great honour as well as many gifts and rewards. It is a good idea for you to send a prominent person to me here. I shall send one of mine, so that both go to the King, because you will receive nothing
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