1835: Spain and Great Britain signed a new treaty that introduced an “equipment clause,” allowing naval cruisers to detain slaving vessels based on the prese…

1835: Spain and Great Britain signed a new treaty that introduced an “equipment clause,” allowing naval cruisers to detain slaving vessels based on the presence of trafficking equipment. This legal innovation meant that ships could be condemned as slavers even if they had no captives on board at the moment of detention. The clause targeted items such as excessive water containers, shackles, and specialized cooking equipment that were typical of the slave trade. This treaty significantly enhanced the ability of the naval squadron to intercept illicit vessels before they could force captives aboard.