1823 Jan. 21 Trip. H. to Q.A. Unobjectionable by other powers

Were you /If, without explanation you were/ to take possession of the port of

Tripoli, or any other port or station in North Africa, though in reality the

possession were not designed to be otherwise than temporary and short©lived,

other European powers, England more particularly, might perhaps take umbrage.

Supposing even that in no other shape injury to their interests were

apprehended, still what they would naturally apprehend is injury, in some shape

or other to their trade, such for example as the admission of vessels from your

States upon terms more favorable /advantageous/ that were granted to other

States To obviate any such apprehension, I would therefore submit to you whether

there might not be a use in the event of your sending us any such assistance, to

provide your Agents with a Declaration /State paper/ having for its object the

shutting the door against every such apprehension: declaring that you will not

keep possession to your one use of any portion of territory on the North African

Coast, nor [...?] or accept any accommodation /but such/ in which all other

nations shall not enjoy an equal share.