The Peace of Versailles (signed on 3 September 1783), which gave effect to the articles agreed upon in the previous November, has been rightly subjected to grave criticism on its failure to provide safeguards for the unfortunate American loyalists and England's Indian allies. In the case of the loyalists it was agreed that Congress should “earnestly recommend” to the thirteen States the restitution of their confiscated estates and rights, that the laws directed against them should be revised, and that no future confiscations of their property should be made. Actually, this stipulated “ recommendation ” was of little significance as the legislatures of the various States vied with each other in passing laws against the loyalists who were thus deprived of any benefit from the Treaty. The question of adequate safeguards for the loyalists was, indeed, debated with great spirit in both Houses of Parliament, when the preliminary Articles of Peace were discussed, and Lord Loughborough voiced the opinion of many of his colleagues by stating “that in ancient or modern history there cannot be found an instance of so shameful a desertion of men who have sacrificed all to their duty and to their reliance upon our faith”. Unhappily the Government obtained a small majority in the division, and the bill authorizing the Treaty became law. The only consolation which the loyalists received was an Act passed in July 1783 which appointed “Commissioners for Enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists”. By virtue of this enactment a sum of over £3,000,000 was placed at the disposal of the commissioners and some 4000 persons submitted their claims for compensation.