_ 308 _ observations, it was still not something to which great attention should be paid, and similarly the benefit that the enemy could derive from this trade with them. In order to provide those places in that Strait with more strength and courage and to impede the provisions that the Turks of Basra were bringing from the islands of Gizara, and to ensure that they did not bring them with such security, His Highness should order the Viceroy to send up to fifteen oared ships, from foists downwards, to patrol the Strait of Ormuz, and he should make the person he considered best its captain. However, if he received information that the Turks were bringing a sizeable fleet, he should enlarge his in order, if need be, to be able to fight them. To provide greater safety from this danger, he ordered the Viceroy to endeavor to maintain friendship with Sheikh Ismael, something it seems that would be easy, because of the wars he was waging with the Turks; and to demonstrate to him more clearly that it was His Highness' wish to be on good terms with him. As soon as he arrived, he was to address him with friendly words, and after reminding him of what a serious drawback and disadvantage it was for his state to have the Turks so near, and to allow them to build forts in Basra, he should offer him support and help to drive them out of there. He should hint
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