Arthur Phillip’s Plans for Australia: Dealing with Rival Claims

Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, is a significant figure in the history of Australia. His plans for the newly discovered continent were ambitious and far-reaching, but they also had to account for the possibility of rival claims from other nations. This article will delve into Phillip’s instructions and plans in the event that another nation had already laid claim to Australia between Cook’s visit and the First Fleet landing 18 years later.

Phillip’s Instructions from the British Government

Arthur Phillip was given specific instructions by the British government regarding the establishment of the new colony. These instructions were detailed in his commission and instructions document, which was issued on 25 April 1787. The document outlined the British government’s expectations for the new colony, including the treatment of the indigenous population, the establishment of law and order, and the development of agriculture and trade.

Dealing with Potential Rival Claims

One of the key concerns for the British government was the potential for rival claims from other European powers, particularly the French and the Dutch, who were also exploring and colonising the Pacific at the time. Phillip was instructed to establish friendly relations with any such parties he might encounter, but also to assert the British claim to the territory.

However, the instructions did not provide specific guidance on what to do if another nation had already established a colony. It seems that the British government assumed that Cook’s claim of possession for Britain, made during his 1770 voyage, was sufficient to establish British sovereignty over the eastern part of Australia.

Phillip’s Approach to Indigenous Relations

Phillip’s instructions also addressed relations with the indigenous population. He was ordered to “conciliate their affections” and to “punish any injury” that might be done to them by the British settlers. This was a significant departure from the usual colonial practice of the time, which often involved the use of force to displace indigenous populations.

However, Phillip’s attempts to establish friendly relations with the indigenous people were largely unsuccessful, due in part to cultural misunderstandings and the impact of European diseases on the indigenous population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Arthur Phillip was given detailed instructions on how to establish the new colony, there was little guidance on how to deal with potential rival claims. This reflects the confidence of the British government in their claim to Australia, based on Cook’s earlier voyage. Despite the challenges he faced, Phillip’s leadership laid the foundations for the development of modern Australia.