Some preliminary ambassadors appeared to make arrangements for the passage of the Second Crusade through Byzantine lands, especially the establishment of special markets to provide provisions. Manuel received them in a positive way, praising their undertaking and generously offering what they asked, provided they abstained from violence. He soon began to put these promises into action. He mentioned that he was writing in the course of war with the infidel, claiming credit. This would be held against him during the crusade, when the westerners discovered that he had later made peace with Mas'ud