How did the dutch react to the british claiming Singapore and why?

Answer 1

First, some background information. Singapore then was under the rule of the Johor Sultan, Abdul Rahman. His elder brother, Tengku Hussein did not become the Sultan after their father died because Abdul Rahman was by their father's side at his death and people decided to make him Sultan. Tengku Hussein had no choice but to go and live in Riau. Then Raffles learnt about it and he simply reinstated Tengku Hussein as Sultan and signed a treaty with him to let the British use Singapore. (NOTE: Abdul Rahman is under the influence of the Dutch who were the British's rivals hence Raffles could not ask Abdul Rahman to sign a treaty as the answer is surely a no and the Dutch will go and claim it.) The Dutch were angry that the British had not asked for their consent to claim Singapore. Furthermore, they find it illegitimate and hence threatened to use force to claim Singapore. They also offered to give up their ports in India. (NOTE: They do not have air transport then, so strategic locations really matter for trade. Singapore was located right in the center of the Malay Archipelago and on the China-India tea-opium trade route. Very strategic for trade).