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act as if not so. Chinese people in Laroot will prevent difficulties there it is hoped. Intend to attack from Laroot, and march force over hills dividing Laroot from Perak to Qualla Kan-Ajwa-Dahar-g-su, about 120 miles up the river, thus acting both up and down stream. Have ordered Speedy with Sepoys to hold passage and check all communication between Perak and Laroot. Native auxiliaries will probably be sent across from Bugas River to Perak River.
No. 25.
The Earl of Carnarvon tɔ Governor Sir W. Jervois.
(Telegraphic.)
Downing Street, November 12, 1875. LORD SALISBURY tells me you now ask for two regiments of European infantry, or 1,500 bayonets, with artillery, fifty miles telegraphic apparatus, and a million cartridges. I am extremely disappointed at getting no reply to all my requests for full explanations and details. I cannot judge for what purpose you want a military force apparently so much larger than what would be required to punish what you originally called as an isolated outrage.
Before India is told to send soldiers, explain what policy you have in view; what now the state of things; whether disturbance is spreading; what cause to apprehend danger in future; and why natives may not form part of the force.
Please send quick and full answer.
Sir,
No. 26.
India Office to Colonial Office.
India Office, November 12, 1875. IN continuation of my letter of the 11th instant I am directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to forward herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copies of telegrams relative to the despatch of forces to Perak.
I have, &c. (Signed)
(Telegraphic.)
B. T. PEARS, Major-General,
Military Secretary.
Inclosure 1 in No. 26.
The Viceroy of India to the Marquis of Salisbury.
"PHILOMEL" left on 11th for Penang, Admiral holds another ship ready if required.
(Telegraphic.)
Inclosure 2 in No. 26.
November 12, 1875.
The President in Council, Calcutta, to the Marquis of Salisbury.
November 12, 1875. Perak.-ON supposition that 1,000 Infantry may go, Commander in Chief proposed Buffs and 1st Goorkhas.
Sir W. Jervois telegraphs for 1,500-European Infantry or two regiments, though we asked if some might not be natives.
Commander-in-Chief evidently thinks for such a service that a proportion of good native troops is desirable, and we entirely concur.
Sir W. Jervois also asks for a mountain battery, 4 engineer officers, 50 miles of field telegraph, as much wire as can be spared, and 1,000,000 rounds of Snider ammunition.
We wait your orders.
9.
No. 27.
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
for
Sir,
Admiralty, November 12, 1875. WITH reference to my letter of yesterday's date, and to previous correspondence, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that the following telegranı, dated yesterday, has been received from Rear-Admiral Macdonald, Naval Commander- in-chief in the East Indies
Viceroy informs me that none of detached squadron were required for troops. 'Philomel' has sailed for Penang."
No. 28.
I am, &c.
(Signed) ROBERT HALL.
Governor Sir W. Jervois to the Earl of Carnarvon.—(Received November 13.)
Singapore, November 12, 1875, 6·80 P.M.
(Telegraphic.)
LEFT Singapore 5th. Called Malacca to order Assistant Resident Sunjee Ujong to be reinforced. No disturbance there, but some Chiefs near Malacca threateni disturbances in Salangore. I believe no connection with Perak affairs. Davidson wrote from Klang; he was threatened on all sides. On 6th I went up Klang river to Klang. Saw Tunkit Kudin. Town safe. Davidson in interior, with 300 Chinese and Malays, to protect people against bodies of freebooters robbing and burning villages. No intelligence since, but no reason for apprehension. Am sending a native auxiliary force to co-operate with him. Mahdi in Johore suspected bottom of this.
I have asked Tumongong of Johore to arrest and surrender him. Arrived Perak river early 8th. There got intelligence that early previous day two officers and sixty of 10th Regiment, Lieutenant Abbott, four sailors, congreve rockets, thirty police, sixty Sikhs, twenty Malay volunteers, went through jungle, and about four miles above Residency. Engaged followers of Maharajah Lelah, in whose village Birch was killed. Sikhs and police showed want of discipline, and in their confusion fired into troops. After one hour and a-half severe firing, Europeans charged up to Malay position, a stockade when Innes was killed, Booth and Elliott wounded. Owing to loss of officers, Lieutenant Booth, commanding, ordered force to retire, this accomplished by troops in good order. Enemy evacuated stockade before troops retired. I telegraphed on 4th to say I was going to Perak; but my telegram did not reach Residency until eight hours after expedition had started. On 8th gun-vessels "Thistle" and "Fly" went up Perak River with eighty 10th Regiment and twenty Royal Artillery from Singapore. Have ascertained particulars of Birch's death. Proclamations had been posted without incident all way up to Passir Sala. On November 1 (date correct) Birch telegraphed to me all quiet, Proclamation issued in Perak, Laxamana, and Phabbandar, have, written to you to accept offices, troops not required, sailors return in "Pluto." Meanwhile Swettenham issued Proclamations from Blanja to Qualla Kangsa without incident. Birch slept at Passir Sala night of November 1. Seems most probable attack on him and his party was unpremeditated; was brought about by ill-advised action of interpreter, who struck a Malay for tearing down Proclamation, interpreter instantly stabbed, and rush made on Birch when in bathi close to shore. Swettenham heard of Birch's murder on 4th at Blanja, when coming down river; he passed' Passir Sala during night, and arrived safe at Residency.
(Telegraphic.)
No. 29.
The Earl of Carnarvon to Governor Sir W. Jerrois,
Downing Street, November 14, 1875, 9-15 p.m. I HAVE long expected a reply to my enquiries. Being afraid of some error, I have, after communication with the Marquis of Salisbury, requested that two regiments should, if you require them, be sent from Calcutta with artillery, &c.
I am sorry to
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be obliged to act without knowing many essential details or of special object which you have in view. I cannot assume the responsibility of further delay in the despatch of the troops in face of your urgent demands, but responsibility of asking for them from Calcutta will rest with you, and you must clearly understand that these troops are allowed only for punishment of outrage, and that in no case will Her Majesty's Government sanction their use for annexation or any other large political aims. All such questions must be referred home by telegraph or despatch.
I wish you immediately to explain why I have received no reply to my several questions, and transmit complete answer to them.
No. 30.
The Earl of Carnarvon to the Deputy Director of the Persian Gulf Telegraph, Kurrachee.
(Telegraphic.)
Downing Street, November 15, 1875, 9 P.M. PLEASE send following, urgent to Telegraph Superintendents both at Rangoon and Galle, to be forwarded by first steamer to the Governor, Straits Settlements, Singapore, from Lord Carnarvon :-
I telegraphed on the 14th repeating my wish that you should explain your policy and the conditions under which reinforcements are needed from Bengal. I learn to-day interruption of cable between Penang and Madras. You will probably get yesterday's message with this and you will act in accordance. As soon as possible send complete replies to all my questions. Do not permit Davidson to act except on defen- sive under strict orders from you. Inform me of substance of Proclamation posted in Perak. Troops ordered yesterday to leave Calcutta with the least possible delay.
Sir,
No. 31.
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
Admiralty, November 15, 1875. WITH reference to your letter of this day, asking for information as to the present and probable naval force in the Straits Settlements, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will acquaint the Earl of Carnarvon as follows, viz :--
Her Majesty's ship "Thistle," 4 guns; total complement 73, of which 10 are marines; and Her Majesty's ship "Fly," 4 guns; total complement 74, of which 10 marines are at present at Singapore.”
Her Majesty's ship "Modeste," 14 guns; total complement 221, of which 30 marines; and Her Majesty's ship "Egeria," 4 guns; total complement 126, of which 19 marines; and also Her Majesty's ship "Ringdove," 3 guns; total com- plement 90, of which 11 marines; were reported on 10th November as having been sent to Singapore.
Her Majesty's ship "Philomel," 3 guns; total complement 90, of which 11 marines, had sailed on 11th November for Penang from Bombay.
Her Majesty's ship “Audacious" (flag-ship of Vico-Admiral Ryder), 14 guns; total complement 461, of which 61 marines was to leave Shanghae about 14th November for Singapore if necessary.
The above force shows a total of 7 ships; 10 guns; 1,135 officers, men, and marines (152 marines alone).
I am, &c.
(Bigned)
ROBERT HALL.
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