My dear embassador,

You know as well as We do that the Dutch economy depends on overseas trade more than the economy of any other nation. Lately we saw that the Dutch trade companies lost market shares on some important markets, maybe due to the new focus on the integration of Belgium and the war against the HRE.

Now the Netherlands are at war again, they increase the expenses for the army and navy. What is more severe is the fact that the Dutch trade with its possessions in India and Far East is actually cut off. Same situation on the Mediterranean market. Although We see the successful operation of Dutch troops in the Phillipines, We cannot see that the trade situation will improve in short time. However, We would be glad if you could show us that we are wrong and that the Dutch have a huge gold reserve.

France is willing to support the Dutch like every other nation by transporting and trading goods. Due to the reflections described above we ask our traders to insist on advanced payment.

French Trade Minister