FRENCH ANTILLES. FISHERIES, 18th century, circa 1765. Inform - Lot 94

FRENCH ANTILLES. FISHERIES, 18th century, circa 1765. Informative memorandum, circa 1765, with “Saint-Malô” written on the reverse. A 2-page manuscript concerning the conflict between the islands’ supply needs and the interests of the French fishing industry: “As early as March of last year, the minister issued the most categorical orders to the governors and intendants of the Windward Islands to completely close all the ports of these islands to foreigners. President de PEYNIER (Louis de Thomassin de Peynier), Intendant of Guadeloupe, forced by necessity, nevertheless continued to admit foreign cod. Guadeloupe requires eighty-five thousand quintals per year to feed the ‘Negroes.’ The French, however, had brought in only 70 quintals in 16 months. The Council of Martinique has made representations to the Government regarding the necessity of relying on foreign sources for this indispensable commodity, which the French fishing industry will again be unable to supply this year, since it is not even sufficient to meet the Kingdom’s needs. Mr. de FÉNELON also attests to the absolute necessity of allowing foreign cod into Martinique for the time being. Thus, the Duke of CHOISEUL (who served as Secretary of State for the Navy from 1761 to 1766) did not so much permit this import as he sought to address the need for it through a tax… However important this matter may be, the necessary supply of the islands must not, however, be sacrificed for its sake, and merchants must rely on the Government to reconcile the various interests of the Kingdom when—as is the case today—there is a conflict between supplying the islands and the interests of our fishing industry. ” 2 pages (21.5 x 16.5 cm)