No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 91 



granted before the King's intentions with regard to the Com- 

 pany were ascertained, and whether dependence might be 

 placed in him. They also wished to remind His Majesty of 

 the enormous compensation they were entitled to for all 

 they had spent in driving the King's enemies away from 

 the Island, which debt the new King ought to liquidate. 



But above all, we must positively ascertain whether His 

 Majesty intends to continue the old treaty made with his 

 father, or whether he prefers to make a new one with the 

 Company. This must regulate our further action, as 

 without a decided declaration no trust could be placed in His 

 Majesty's words and promises, nay, even in his written 

 treaties, so long as His Majesty and his chiefs lend an ear to 

 the Company's declared enemies, a certain Pedige Rale and a 

 nattering Frenchman, both private persons. 



The Company's ministers must show a bold and decided 

 front during the negotiations, as the Singalese remarking 

 any timidity on our part would become conceited and try to 

 take as much advantage as possible ; and if we were to make 

 concessions or yield to them, fearing they might declare 

 war, whether rightfully or not, the Company's prospects in 

 Ceilon would be irretrievably ruined ; because once the ports 

 and the forts are abandoned and dismantled, the Singalese 

 would not be satisfied, but would try to get hold of the 

 remainder. It were thus better to show great firmness, 

 and declare our determination to keep the seaboard at 

 any cost. 



His Honour the Commissary was further of opinion 

 that it would be a great advantage to the Company to obtain 

 tranquillity and security by a favourable peace, which should 

 contain the elements of mutual confidence ; and that the 

 lands and forts occupied by the Company since 1662 should 

 remain in their possession until the King had repaid his 

 debt to them ; or in default, that the aforesaid lands, cities, 

 and forts should belong to the Company absolutely, and go to 

 extinguish the debt, the most important item included in 

 the lands being the cinnamon. 



