CO882-(2-3) — Page 567

Printed for the use of the Cabinet. November 12, 1875.

CONFIDENTIAL.

Correspondence respecting Affairs at Perak.

No. 1.

། ། ། ། :། །

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

اسلنا

C.O.

Reference -

882

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

Governor Sir W. Jervois to the Earl of Carnarvon.--(Received November 5.)

(Telegraphic.)

Singapore, November 4, 1875. I REGRET to say I fear Mr. Birch has been treacherously killed on Perak River at Passir Sala, between -Bhota and Durian Sabatang. Proclamations of Sultan Abdullah and Governor referring to arrangements made by me with Sultan for govern. ment of Perak to be carried on by British officers in his name, on which full report sent

by mail of 21st October had to be posted. I received telegram last night from Birch, dated, I think, erroneously, November 1, stating Proclamations posted. All quiet and satisfactory; at same time I received telegram from Lieutenant-Governor of Penang, dated yesterday, stating Birch, when at Passir Sala, was attacked and killed in his bath. Malay interpreter also killed; two men missing; four wounded. I think this affair is one of an isolated character, but in case of anything more serious I have sent 100 troops from Singapore, and 60 from Penang; also 30 additional armed police to Perak, to occupy Residency. Mr. Swettenham with body of armed police set out from Bandar Bahru for Qualla Kangsa on 28th ultimo. I have directed every available armed man to be sent from Laroot to Qualla Kangsa to support him. He can from there get to Laroot if necessary. I go myself to-morrow to Perak River to see how matters stand. Will communicate further in a few days.

No. 2.

Substance of Telegram to Governor Sir W. Jervois, dated November 5, 1875.

MUCH regret news. I approve all your proceedings as reported in your message, and will arrange for reinforcements if really needful; but of this Cabinet must judge. You must reply by telegraph fully and promptly. I hope that this may admit of being treated as an individual outrage, and not lead to military operations, which would endanger British policy in native States.

No. 8.

Governor Sir W. Jervois to the Earl of Carnarvon,—(Received November 6.)

(Telegraphic.)

Singapore, November 6, 1875. THE officer reported killed is J. W. W. Birch. Death not absolutely certain. Governor loft yesterday evening for Perak, calling at Malacca, and Kalang.

[645]

--

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

C.O.

Reference :-

882

3 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

2

No. 4.