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Britain's Search for Security in North Malaya, 1886–1897

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2009

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Extract

In the last quarter of the nineteenth century Britain converted her paramountcy into effective control in the central and southern states of the Malay Peninsula (except Johore) through the device of British Residents whose advice the several Malay rulers were obliged to accept in “all matters of administration”. But strong local pressure for the extension of this system northwards into the Siamese part of the Peninsula was neutralized by the Foreign Office which sought alternative means of safeguarding British interests there. This paper examines the various arrangements considered when the intrusion of another European power appeared likely, culminating in a secret convention between Britain and Stem signed in April 1897.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The National University of Singapore 1969

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References

1. Britain controlled Johore's external relations but its internal affairs other than such questions as opium farms and railways which affected the adjacent British colony and protected states, remained in the Sultan's hands.

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76. The text of the declaration may be found in FO69/174.

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85. Ibid. de Bunsen to Salisbury 5 February 1896

86. Ibid. Verney's memo. 2 June 1896.

87. Jacquemyns was formerly a Minister in the Belgian Cabinet. An authority on International Law he had a considerable influence on Siamese foreign policy. For his services he was awarded the highest class of the highest Siamese order which had not been conferred on any European since the 17th century when Phaulkon had beem the recipient;. FO69/169 de Bunsen, to Bertie, F., private, 16 November & 21 12 1806.Google Scholar

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89. Ibid. Sanderson to Fairfield 14 March 1896.

90. Ibid. Chamberlain's minute 12 April 1896.

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100. FO17/1294 F.O. to C.O. 26 March 1896.

101. FO17/1296 F.O. to C.O. 27 November 1896.

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