Clunies-Ross targeted British authorities when you look at the Mauritius that have an attraction for security and you can identification towards the fledgling colony. 1st petition towards Governor out of Mauritius, Charles Colville, asked for the islands become acknowledge ‘under the supremacy associated with the Regulators regarding Mauritius’. 64 In making his situation having cover, Clunies-Ross tried ‘a degree of regional magisterial authority’ and a concept such as for example harbour master that would buttress their reputation on the islands and you can from the purple bureaucracy. 65 Their time is actually worst; Colville’s connection with officials inside the London was strained when he sided with French creoles facing Uk courtroom reforms to help you ameliorate slavery. 66
Simply thirty days immediately after creating so you’re able to Colville, Clunies-Ross typed an additional petition, this 1 handled to your king and you may drafted within the session towards the Proctor to your Legal regarding Admiralty from St Louis when you look at the Mauritius. 67 They questioned that Cocos-Keeling Islands be placed in a state regarding ‘union’ for the king’s dominions and this the guy myself, and see web site his heirs ‘in perpetuity’, getting issued a good ‘give of your property’ on the isles. 68 The main points of your own arrangements he questioned on a couple of petitions differed, however, both reveal that Clunies-Ross had in your mind an identical combination of cover and some certified recognition away from their expert.
Their determination in preserving his or her own rule, together with continued sexual exploitation out-of their captives, don’t blind your on the benefits of strengthening his connections to the Dutch government during the Batavia
Hare at the same time is actually cosying up to the fresh Dutch into Coffees. He demonstrably imagined the possibility that he might prevent Uk intervention of the solidifying Dutch help. Towards the twelve December 1828, Hare authored a letter so you’re able to elderly Dutch officials inside Batavia saying that he try ‘sensible of your own benefit of adjacency to help you a preserving authority’. 69
Equally aware there may be some advantage to feel achieved, Dutch officials recommended the view that they you’ll annex the islands. For the Oct 1829, a great naval administrator, H. van der Jagt, arrived aboard the fresh schooner Blora to analyze the newest standing of your own area. 70 As the he was currently for the correspondence that have alot more elevated rates when you look at the Batavia, Hare exhibited absolutely nothing need for sharing his give in order to a junior officer, however, he did define you to ‘it might be pleasing to have him in the event the Dutch Regulators elevated its banner indeed there, however, given that a keen English subject he could not apply at brand new Netherlands bodies doing so’. 71 Van der Jagt figured Hare planned to ‘withdraw away from all social establishment’ to make sure that he is ‘lord and master’ over his sufferers. Such as for instance Hare, Clunies-Ross was anxiously searching for safeguards. Predicated on van der Jagt, Clunies-Ross had proclaimed their would you like to the Netherlands Eastern Indies regulators take over the islands and you may affirmed he ‘like to end up being under Dutch than simply English rule’. 72 This tactic necessary specific sleight-of-hand, due to the fact Clunies-Ross hidden off Dutch authorities his appeals inside Mauritius along with his assures so you’re able to United kingdom regulators that he could not abandon their status as an uk topic otherwise transfer allegiance so you’re able to Batavia.
None the fresh Dutch nor british adopted the visits because of the asserting states sovereignty along the countries
Such machinations did much more in preserving ambiguity concerning the islands’ position rather than offer clearness in the purple belonging. Actually, whenever because of the chance to do so, one another empires taken back. When you look at the June 1830, this new Governor-General, Johannes van den Bosch, felt like so it will be a proper error when planning on taking palms out of islands that shown none clear prize neither apparent hazard. 73 Because of their part, british recognized that underneath the usual formulas setting-up imperial palms, the newest Hare and you will Clunies-Ross settlements might show sufficient. Composing in order to London, Owen tepidly supported the idea one a strong claim to the newest countries could be of good use, for example considering their location between Asia and Australian continent. 74 However, firmly starting such as for example a declare put about long coming. Rather, like their Dutch alternatives, British officials continued so you can figure interactions for the isles when you look at the idiom from safety without and work out any definitive dedication to laws.