XVIII. J. Deutz to Swellengrebel,
's Gravenhage, 9.5.1782
Hon. Sir, May I recall a conversation which we had some time ago over reforms at the Cape? The fiscal V. der Hoop and I, in our capacity as Directors of the West-Indian Company spoke about the possibility of mutually advantageous links between the two colonies. Surinam lacks flour, wine, etc. and the Cape lacks sugar, coffee, cacao. If this exchange was not enough the ships could be sent to the Netherlands for iron, and other commodities of which there is a lack in both colonies. Such were our fireside speculations. You know the Cape personally. Could they be realized in practice?
I must add that one of the most influential Directors, as soon as a scheme is formulated, will send it for report to the Governor and Council, for submission to a commission, requested for this year and likely to be appointed next year.
Surinam gets most of its imports from N. America, so that we will suffer no harm in the Netherlands from the development of trade between the Cape and Surinam. I shall be obliged for your advice.
Yours etc.
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