His influence on Dutch foreign policy was very great: all his efforts were devoted towards preventing seperate peace treaties with Spain by either England or France. The threefold alliance, concluded in 1596 by the Republic with France and England, can be regarded as a triumph of Oldenbarnevelt's policy. An important matter was brought about by Oldenbarnevelt's mediation in 1602, viz. the United East India Company, which obtained a patent for 21 years from the States General on March 20th