Directory_and_Chronicle_1926 — Page 345

THE MALAY STATES FEDERATION AGREEMENT, 1896

Agreement between the Governor of the Straits Settlements, acting on behalf of the Government of Her Majesty the Queen, Empress of India, and the Rulers of the following Malay States, that is to say, Perak, Selangor, Pahang, and Negri Sembilan.

Art. I.-In confirmation of various previous Agreements, the Sultan of Perak, the Sultan of Selangor, the Sultan of Pahang, and the Chiefs of the States which form the territory known as the Negri Sembilan, hereby severally place themselves and their States under the protection of the British Government.

Art. II. The above-named Rulers and Chiefs of the respective States hereby agree to constitute their countries a Federation, to be known as the Protected Malay States, to be administered under the advice of the British Government.

Art. III. It is to be understood that the arrangement hereby agreed upon does not imply that any one Ruler or Chief shall exercise any power or authority in respect of any State other than that which he now possesses in the State of which he is the recognised Ruler or Chief.

Art IV. The above-named Rulers agree to accept a British Officer, to be styled the Resident-General, as the agent and representative of the British Government under the Governor of the Straits Settlements. They undertake to provide him with suitable accommodation, with such salary as is determined by Her Majesty's Government, and to follow his advice in all matters of administration other than those touching the Mohammedan religion. The appointment of the Resident-General will not affect the obligations of the Malay Rulers towards the British Residents now existing or to be hereafter appointed to offices in the above- mentioned Protected States.

Art. V.--The above-named Rulers also agree to give to those States in the Federation which require it such assistance in men, money, or other respects as the British Government, through its duly appointed officers, may advise; and they further undertake, should war break out between Her Majesty's Government and that of any other Power, to send, on the requisition of the Governor, a body of armed and equipped Indian troops for service in the Straits Settlements.

Art. VI. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to curtail any of the powers or authority now held by any of the above-named Rulers in their respective States, nor does it alter the relations now existing between any of the States named and the British Empire.

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