The agreement placed North Borneo under British protection while leaving internal administration with the Company. Its recitals derived the Company’s claimed sovereign rights from grants and commissions.
British protection follows Company administration
The protectorate agreement marks a further stage in colonial government. It distinguishes British protection from internal administration by the Company. Its recitals show how the Company described the rights acquired through the earlier grants.
Why this record matters
The record explains the next stage of colonial government and the chain of instruments on which the Company relied. It asserts Company sovereignty, rather than affirming the Sulu lease interpretation.
Sources & further reading
Sabah State Attorney-General’s Chambers
Protectorate Agreement, London, 12 May 1888, preamble and articles II–III.