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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference:→

C.O. 882

4PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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

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15. In reference to this point, I ascertained that Tunku Antar, was desirous of com- municating with this government generally through the Maharajah of Johore; he stated that he did not so well understand the ways of Europeans; and, as I felt that the good offices of the Maharajah in the manner proposed might be of great use, I considered it desirable to accede to this request, but, of course, subject to the proviso that this govern- ment was not thereby precluded from holding direct communication with the states of the Confederation, at any time it may so desire.

16. In my despatch No. 297, of 19th August, I stated that there would be serious objection to placing the Maharajah of Johore in the position of one of the rajah-born rulers of the Malay States, and I see no reason to alter the opinion I expressed on this point. At the same time, from what has recently transpired with regard to his relations with the Chiefs of the States of Ulu Muar, which are adjacent to his own territory, it would seem that he possesses much influence amongst them.

17. It should be observed that, whereas the states of the proposed Confederation are situated in the upper part of the valley of the Muar River, the lower part of the valley on the left bank belongs to the State of Johore, and the natural highway to Johole, Jumpole, Sri Menanti, and the other small states adjacent thereto is under the control of the Maharajah of Johore. The produce and traffic, therefore, from the small states referred to, pass by the Moar River, along which the Maharajah has established several well-ordered stations, and considerable intercourse thus takes place between the upper Moar States and Johore. The Maharajah is, therefore, in a position to keep this Government correctly informed as to what is taking place in the Moar States, and to exercise an influence tending to the preservation of peace therein and to the development of their resources.

18. Having arrived at a distinct conclusion as to the arrangement to be adopted, I had a paper prepared for the signature of Tunku Antar and the other chiefs concerned in the Confederation, and having previously ascertained that they agreed to it, I requested them all to wait upon me. Accordingly, on the 23rd ultimo, Tunku Antar, accom. panied by the chiefs and about 70 followers, attended at Government House, when I received them with some ceremony.

19. I then addressed them, and avoiding any allusion to the severe lesson which they had received for attacking us about a year ago, I explained to them that the British Government are desirous to see their states peacefully and properly governed, and pointed out to them that they should strive to emulate the example of the Maharajah of Johore. I took the opportunity of speaking to them of the disturbances which had occurred in their states, and of impressing upon them that whilst we were willing to forget the past, we required them to do the same, and must insist that those amongst them who had taken part against them should be in no way molested.

They all said that they fully understood this, that they were sorry for what had taken place, and stated that there should be no further ground for complaint. The chiefs were most friendly, and expressed themselves as entirely satisfied with the arrangement for the Confederation. I was much pleased with the bearing of Tunku Antar, who seemed thoroughly in earnest in his professions of good faith, and though still determined in appearance, was both courteous and dignified.

20. After addressing them, I had the paper, which had been previously prepared, read out, when each paragraph was assented to by the whole assembly. It was then chopped and signed by Tunku Åntar and the chiefs.

I herewith forward a copy of the document. I also enclose a copy of the letter which

I have sent to the Maharajah of Johore with reference to the arrangement.

21. I believe that the plan which I have adopted is the best that the circumstances of the case now admit of; it is indeed a more simple solution of a very difficult and com- plicated position than it had been possible to anticipate, when, but a short time ago, most of the chiefs of the Muar States were hiding in the jungle in fear of us, and it seemed almost hopeless to expect that they would be induced to meet me and discuss their affairs.

I trust the arrangement will meet with the approval of Her Majesty's Government.

I have, &c. (Signed) WM. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS.

The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon,

&c.

&c.

&c.

Enclosure 1.

The steamer "Pulai" returned yesterday from the "Muar " station, and brought with her Tunku Antah and the following passengers :—

PRINCES OF RUMBOW SRI MUNANTI.

1. Tunku Lintow, entitled “Tunku Besar," brother of Tunku Antah.

2. Tunku Jaleel Nephews of Tunku Antah.

3. Tunku Lebar

1. Datu Muar,

2. Datu Jumpal.

3. Datu Trachie.

CHIEFS OF RUMBOW.

4. Buginda Tan Mas (Attorney of Datu Johol). 5. Daiboh

Sons of Datu Johol.

6. Muhat

1. Rajah Balang."

2. Gumpor.

3. Sa'anda.

4. Mundaku.

MEN OF JOHOL.

These four are entitled "Lumbaga."

5. Mahusain, styled "Siamar Raja."

6. Sarain, a relation of Datu Johol.

7. Chalek.

8. Dollah. 9. Undot.

10. Mee'at. 11. Kujong. 12. Suruntang. 13. Busu. 14. Sahar.

15. Baham.

16. Tanda.

17. Kamar,

18. Haji Ma'noh. 19. Husian.

20. Panglima Sultan.

21. Kanda.

22. Pawang.

28. Jaman.

24. Ba'ada.

25. Inchi Mat.

MEN OF MUAR.

1. Sunara Muda (styled "Lumbaga ").

2. Nahoda Joafar.

3. Raja Pahlawan.

4. Sangkap.

5. Makil, a relation of Datu Muar.

6. Kolot

ditto,

7. Mohamad Hasim ditto.

* No. 71, of Eastern No. 20,"

8. Ma'aris.

9. Seejih.

49009.

D

10. Salot.

11. Jaleel

12. Jaais.

13. Amat.

14. Haji Abdullab.

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MEN OF DATU JUMPOL.

1. Lela Raja.

2. Imam Muntri.

3. Sree Pahlawan.

4. Komar Raja.

5. Nang Besar.

6. Nahoda Malim, a relation of Datu Jumpol.

7. Tok Muda,

8. Katib Balang,

ditto. ditto.

9. Sukon.

10. Dosain.

11. Sajak.

12. Laimbak.

13. Jaya.

14. Kina.

15. Kolob, called "Laksamana."

16. Tok Bandar.

MEN OF DATU TRACHIE.