PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference:
EPIENICO.
882
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
3 PUBUC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
64
Policy I have in view, and universally approved here, is to rule Perak by British officers in the name of the Sultan with assistance of (?)_Malay Council, as fully reported by mail of the 21st October. My reason for desiring Europeans in preference to native troops is that their presence produces a much better effect upon Malays, and will terminate matters more readily. Considering the extent of country, and the expediency of acting both down and up the Perak River, I do not think the force asked for is excessive. My policy, if possible, is friendly and pacific, and may stop alarm; but if reports about Ismail raising his people against us are true, there is not a man too
much.
No. 56.
SUBSTANCE, of Telegram received from the GOVERNOR of the STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, November 24, 1875, 4.30 p.m., dated November 18.
JUST received news from Perak. Attack made 15th by troops and blue-jackets without loss. Four stockades and six guns taken. Houses and villages of Maharajab Lela destroyed. Birch's books, papers, and property recovered.
When the troops from India have arrived in Perak, I intend to try to negotiate. If Ismail and his Chiefs refuse to meet, or do not come to terms in accordance to my reason- able proposals already made, what course shall I adopt? I think that in this case it will be well to annex territory bounded by Perak and Krean Rivers. No difficulty in holding this territory. Larut occupied by Chinese, and British gunboats can already practically get up to Durian Salatang; and from there light draught steam-launches can go up Perak River. Good communications can be made by land to Blanja and other points, which it is needful to hold temporarily. Configuration of country such that, when roads are made and steain-launches provided, could be held by 500 men, liable to subsequent reduction.
One thousand men required for a short time whilst clearing jungles for roads. Country has great capabilities, and is very rich and will pay. Chiefs thus enclosed on all sides, and without supplies, will prove powerless. Just received information that the Sultan and his advisers are parties to the murder of Birch. I will investigate. Have reason to believe that the opposition of the Perak Chiefs to British is spreading. Conversation with the Maharajah of Johore yesterday, who is confident. Opposition violent from Chiefs. People want British. The Chiefs, however, make people join them.
No. 57.
The EARL OF CARNARVON to GOVERNOR SIB W. JERVOIS, K.C.M.G., C.B.
(Telegraphic.)
Downing Street, November 25, 1875, 7.45 p.m.
Your telegram of 18th received, and despatch dated the 16th of October, No. 291,† describing your policy in Perak matters, which, on referring to my telegram of the 14th, you will see that I altogether disapprove. I then telegraphed troops must not be em- ployed for annexation or other political objects. I have only to repeat this instruction in strongest terms. They are sent to inflict punishment for outrage, and should be withdrawn as soon as it can be done with safety.
Her Majesty's Government cannot adopt principle of the permanent retention of troops in Peninsula to maintain Residents or other officers, and unless natives are willing to receive them on footing originally sanctioned, of simply advising the ruling authorities,
I doubt whether their continuance in country can be sanctioned.
If, in the present circumstances, it is necessary to retain any Resident at Perak, it is
s question whether he should not be stationed on sea-coast.
Neither annexation nor government of country by British officers in name of Sultan can be allowed.
65
No. 58.
The PRESIDENT IN COUNCIL, Calcutta, to the MARQUIs of salisbURY.
(Telegraphic.)
Calcutta, November 26, 1875.
LAST ship, with Goorkhas and General Ross, left for Perak to-day.
(No. 204.)
No. 59.
The EARL OF CARNARVON to GOVERNOR SIR W. JERVOIS, K.C.M.G., C.B. SIB,
Downing Street, November 26, 1875. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Despatch, No. 291, of 16th October. The subject is far too important to allow me to make any detailed reply by this mail. Since however, that Despatch was written I have been made acquainted by telegraph with the disturbances that have occurred in Perak. You have been already sufficiently instructed by telegraph as to the general views of H.M.'s Government, with reference to that most grave question of annexation, to which reference has been made both in your Despatch and in your last telegram of the 18th inst. It is scarcely necessary therefore that I should repeat here those instructions.
I have, however, your Despatch now under consideration, and I propose to reply to it by the next mail. But I will not close this communication without expressing the deep regret with which I have heard of the loss of two such able and valuable public servants as Mr. Birch and Captain Innes.
Governor Sir W. Jervois, K.C.M.G., C.B.
No. 60.
I have, &c. (Signed)
CARNARVON.
Substance of Telegram from GOVERNOR of STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, Penang, to LORD CARNARVON, London. (Received at the Colonial Office, Novem- ber 27, 1875, 7.25 p.m.)
On board the "Pluto," November 23, 1875.
Just arrived Pepang from Perak. Received Lordship's telegram 14th. Sent you full telegrams 12th, another 13th, another 18th, Success 15th; good effect. People lower Perak returning home. I have desired the suspension of active operations. Have written Ismail and some other Chiefs firm conciliatory letters, explaining object troops in Perak punishment murderers and peaceful settlement country. Have issued Procla- mation, requesting friends to disassociate themselves from enemies, and have issued notice regarding apprehension of murderers, offering reward.
TA
I act on the assumption that our withdrawal from Perak is now impossible, and that it is therefore necessary to occupy the country with a force of sufficient strength.
To display our power appears to me essential for the pacification of the district, the Chiefs being subsequently summoned to settle their differences, and render the country secure. Matters are not apparently of so serious a nature as reported at first, and the whole force asked for is not at present required. A smaller number of troops will suffice, considering the naval force that has since arrived. No troops from India are yet come, and I intend to ask the President in Council only to send 1,000 men, inclusive of mountain artillery, if they have not yet been despatched. The force might be partly composed of natives, if there is a difficulty about European troops.
Reply by telegram to Galle.
No. 61.
WAR OFFICE to COLONIAL OFFICE.
War Office, Pall Mall, November 30, 1875. THE Lords Commissioners of the Treasury having called for an estimate of the sum which is likely to become repayable to Indian funds on account of the troops and
STB,
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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سلفانيليا
Reference :--
C.O.
882
3
COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-|
* No. $6.
† No. 48.
866.87.
• No. 48.
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