While the king was in Puebla de Montalbán, he summoned a Royal Council to consider whether it was right to invade Portugal at once with all his might, in order to make himself master of that kingdom, or what his approach should be. That is because, once he learned that King Fernando had passed away, he immediately summoned companies and men-at-arms with which to invade Portugal. On this issue he held a major council meeting which lasted for days, because there were two opposing viewpoints.

Most members of the council, those who tendered the best and most sensible advice, spoke as follows: ‘Sire, Your Grace must not and cannot rightfully invade Portugal in this way with your armies, for that is laid down in the treaties which were signed between you and King Fernando. Rather, it is most important and in your interests, in accordance with the way in which they were sworn, that you should keep and fulfil them in every respect and adopt such an approach to the people of Portugal as not to invade their country by force of arms. By so doing, you will be true to your promises and to those which we made along with you; otherwise, by invading Portugal with all your might, you will be unable to avoid harming that country, at the very least as regards its food supply, and thus there would grow up immense hatred between Portuguese and Castilians, which would not be in your interests.

‘By contrast, were Your Grace to invade with a small force, that could prove to be very perilous for you. For that reason it does seem appropriate that you should make your way to Salamanca, which is close to Portugal, and for the present you should not send for any troops. From there you should send your envoys into Portugal, notifying that country's grandees and men of power that you have learned of King Fernando's passing and [reminding them] that, as they well know, his daughter Queen Beatriz, your wife, has inherited the kingdom, as is laid down in the treaties and agreements which were drawn up and sworn on oath.