1494: The Breton Stripe

Here is that story!
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Map 4

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Jean VI of Brittany intervenes from May 1493 following the publication of the bull Inter caetera by the pope.
He advances claims between Portugal and Castile following his expeditions of 1491/1492 (here by falsifying reports)/1493. Jean VI claims the lands and seas north of 43°50' North.

If Castile and Portugal are rather favorable to Brittany (Breton ships make the maritime connection between southern and northern Europe), Castile does not want to be robbed of the western route. Brittany cannot appeal to its French suzerain not to rob the Iberian nations. Moreover, the King of France does not care about these commercial affairs. So Jean VI weighs little.

Finally in front of the Breton insistence, Spain and Portugal grant to Brittany a strip located west of the papal line Inter caetera. The Breton strip is defined between 100 and 400 leagues west of the island of Flores in the Azores. It is called the Breton Stripe. Remember that at that time the measurements of longitudes were approximate.

So New Cornouaille and its rich banks of fish are part of it, but not the supposed north-west route. The seas beyond remain accessible but Brittany cannot establish colonies there.
The Breton Stripe is the private and exclusive property of the Duke of Brittany but cannot be transferred to anyone, Castile has a right of inspection. However the possibility of the bequest to François Ier d'Avaugour is recognized.
Finally, Castilian and Portuguese ships have access to it but cannot establish bases there.