Above is a 1727 English map of the Philippine Islands... Take note that what appears to be the Spratly Islands off the coast of Palawan have already been named. And it is not "Spratly"...
Richard Spratly would come into the picture more than 100 years later...
I cannot clearly read the old name of the Spratlys but it definitely appears to be Spanish. In fact, the label "Spanish" appears right next to it.
I think I am reading "Primero I." but someone with much sharper eyes could probably help me out on this.
Does this constitute prima facie evidence that the Spratlys are historically considered part of Las Islas Filipinas?
Take note that what is now the Philippine Sea is labeled as "Part of the Great South Sea"...
The "ancient and historical" (sarcasm definitely intended) South China Sea is nowhere to be found...
Actually, it was an Englishman (who was probably high on opium) who first used the word South China Sea.
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