ABSTRACT
During the Clove’s voyage to Hirado in 1613, relations with the Dutch in the Moluccas had been strained but relations between the Dutch and the E.I.C. factory at Hirado were cordial, even hospitable, if guarded from time to time. From the first, commercial rivalry marked the relationship; Saris’ suggestion that the two factories at Hirado should sell cloth at the same price was briskly rejected by the Dutch, who promptly reduced their own prices to maintain market share. The Dutch were contented to watch the Britons attempt to open trade with Korea via Tsushima, an effort which proved as unavailing as the earlier Dutch attempt to do so.
