But once more the tide of war was stemmed by diplomacy. War might destroy more trade than it would conquer; and Newcastle was not sure of England's claim to Georgia. In January, 1739, the Convention of El Pardo was signed.1 Spain agreed to pay certain indemnities. All difficulties concerning "commerce and navigation in America and Europe and the limits of Florida and Carolina" were referred to a joint commission. So important was the Carolina boundary question that it was given a separate article. It provided that pending the settlement the status quo was to be maintained on the frontier.