Stories from Deli

• De Oostpost : letterkundig, wetenschappelijk en commercieel nieuws- en advertentieblad 28-04-1863

In the Pinang Gazette of April 4th, we read the following regarding the actions of the Dutch on the East Coast of Sumatra. From this, it becomes clear that the Resident of Riouw is still making all possible efforts to bring the various pepper ports along that coast under the exclusive control of the Dutch:

“We have heard from Assahan that approximately fourteen days ago, the Dutch made a new attempt to persuade the Rajah to recognize their suzerainty over Siak and to have him sign the agreement that had previously been offered to him by the Resident of Riouw for that purpose. The Rajah refused to comply. Dutch steamers were seen near the mouth of the river, where some Chinese houses were flying the British flag. When asked on whose authority this was done, the Chinese responded that they were British subjects from Pinang and had hoisted the flag for their protection. Efforts were made to persuade the Rajah to order the flags to be taken down, but he refused to comply.

— The Pluto recently returned from its voyage to the neighboring ports of Sumatra. The sole purpose of this mission was to deliver letters from the governor to the local chiefs and to receive their responses. Assahan remained in the same state as before. The Rajah of Langkat was ill and therefore unable to receive Captain Eales. The Rajah of Deli granted him an audience in the presence of a Dutch representative, namely the native commander of a vessel stationed there. The Dutch colors still fly over the Rajah’s house, and he stated that he does this of his own accord to demonstrate the friendship he bears towards the Dutch. According to the reports we have received, it is clear that the Dutch are making tireless efforts to establish their sovereignty over the pepper ports through the mediation of the Rajah of Siak before the British government has time to intervene effectively. They are attempting to create the appearance of a voluntary recognition by the native chiefs of the suzerainty of Siak. They have already succeeded in persuading the Rajah of Deli to remove from his seal the words acknowledging his independence from the King of Aceh.”

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