CO882-(8-9) — Page 65

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference:-

THEC.O. 882

8 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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

4

ABDUL RAHMAN explained that the Sultan was on the point of signing the concession, but stayed it on receipt of the Secretary of State's letter, and he was open to the Secretary of State's advice. His Highness thought that the concession was perfectly safe (here he conferred with the Sultan), but as it was in abeyance he would be grateful for assistance before it was actually given.

LORD ELGIN then referred to what was said in the Sultan's letter about railways. The passage of the railway through Johore was for the advantage of the State, and also in accordance with the Treaty concluded with the late Sultan, His Highness's father. The Secretary of State regretted to observe the accusations made in the letter against the Crown Agents; they were not fair, and from the papers in his possession he was aware that there was no ground for the statement that the Crown Agents were unwilling to give information. He hoped that His Highness would not persist in his attitude in that matter.

HIS HIGHNESS explained, with regard to that paragraph in his letter, that his idea was that his Consulting Engineer should inspect materials, and, as a matter of form, should see indents, and satisfy the State that the materials supplied were up to standard.

LORD ELGIN replied that by the Agreement the materials used had to be of the standard of the Federated Malay States Railways, and that their inspection was a matter for an inspection staff. But the subject need not be pursued further at this meeting, for if His Highness had any point to bring forward as to this, he should state it in writing, and it would be enquired into.

The other matter referred to in His Highness's letter was the Advisory Board. This Board once existed; it was composed of good friends of Johore; and its exist- ence was perhaps expedient when the Sultan was younger, but the Secretary of State agreed with his predecessors that it was not expedient now. The State should be administered by His Highness on the spot, and his proper adviser was the High Commissioner, who also was on the spot. He was sorry to differ from His High- ness, but he was obliged, after full consideration, to adhere to his predecessor's decision not to recognise the Advisory Board, and he must ask that the administration be carried on in the way already stated.

HIS HIGHNESS said that he fully understood, but the Board was formed by his father some 20 years ago, and had been found useful in many matters. He fully recognised the advisability of being guided by the Colonial Office and the High Commissioner, but there were many matters in which he would not trouble the Colonial Office, and, therefore, a Board smaller and less expensive than the late Board was desirable for Johore.

LORD ELGIN could only say that he did not concur, and could not agree to recognise the Board.

HIS HIGHNESS said that in any important matters he would consult the High Commissioner and the Colonial Office, but for small matters he wanted a Board here. LORD ELGIN enquired what were small matters. Was a concession a small

matter?

HIS HIGHNESS gave as an instance his children and their affairs. LORD ELGIN Suggested that a family solicitor could manage all family matters. ABDUL RAHMAN explained that in all important matters His Highness saw that it was advisable to consult the Colonial Office and the High Commissioner; but for small matters, such as the education of Johore boys, the selection of European Officers serving his Government, and discussion with Consulting Engineers and the Crown Agents as to railways, he desired to have a small Board.

LORD ELGIN said that small matters affecting His Highness's comfort would not concern the Colonial Office, which was concerned with matters affecting the public interests, though some of those just mentioned might fall in that category.

HIS HIGHNESS begged the Secretary of State to recognise a Board, whatever its functions might be, as an assistance to him.

LORD ELGIN said that this must be a matter of subsequent correspondence. The letter which would be sent to His Highness would put fully on record what had been said here, and the question of the Board would be dealt with then.

He hoped that His Highness would recognise that the Secretary of State had been endeavouring to lay before him considerations of vital importance to himself and his State. It was of vital importance that he should devote himself to the State of which he was the head. The administration rested on him, and unless he devoted himself to the good of the State it could not flourish. His Highness should not try to do too much by bringing in outsiders by means of concessions, but he should

5

endeavour by economical administration to obtain the means to develop the country from its own resources, and thereby secure the profits to the State. All the advice which he had given tended to this--that he wished His Highness to develop his State for the advantage of the State and of the people whom he governed, and he hoped that His Highness would not think that in doing so he had spoken too freely.

HIS HIGHNESS said that on the contrary it was his wish that if the Secretary of State had anything to say he should tell him frankly. He had always said the same to Sir C. Mitchell and his sucessors.

LORD ELGIN said that he would watch the Sultan's administration on his return with interest, and would hope for his prosperity.

HIS HIGHNESS replied that he was much obliged for the kind manner in which the Secretary of State had spoken to him. He would take everything to heart and he was sure that Sir John Anderson would be well disposed towards him.

24413

د