Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 11).djvu/267

The King: To Don Pedro de Acuna, whom I have appointed my governor and captain-general of the Philipinas Islands, and president of my Audiencia therein. My royal Council of the Indias having examined some letters from the said islands, I have resolved upon the following.

Since the Philipinas Islands are so far away and distant, surrounded by so many great kingdoms of infidels, the entry and intercourse which the Chinese and Japanese enjoy in Manila, and their friendly relation with the natives, give us reason to fear that the former, allying themselves with the natives, may attempt some disturbance, as they are inclined to do. Considering the fact that the greatest security and strength of the land lies in the Spanish settlement, and I have heard that not only does it not increase but is not even maintained in its previous condition—because, although the viceroys of Nueva España are ordered to send reenforcements of men every year to the islands, many people die from the bad climatic conditions of the land, others are scattered in military expeditions, others must be permitted to return (either because they have left families in their own country, or because they cause injury to the commonwealth), and others go there with no idea of re-