Papers of Wilfred Lawson Blythe

Typed manuscript entitled, "Chinese Secret Societies in Malaya. Sections K. L. + M. The Chinese factor in the Policy of Intervention" concerning the time period 1872-1876. It is also labelled as "File 5" and "Duplicate". It appears to be an early draft or research material for part of Blythe's book _The Impact of Chinese Secret Societies in Malaya_ published in 1969. The material seems to be in more depth than the corresponding material covered within the publication. With the file is a note which reads, "It is possible that Prof. Cowan at S.O.A.S., London, would like to have this File 5, as it deals with the subject of his book on Intervention".

Wilfred Blythe Lawson completed his education in Birkenhead Institute and Liverpool University. In 1921 he joined the Malayan Civil Service and went to Canton in 1922 to study Cantonese. Blythe served as Assistant Protector or Protector of Chinese in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johore, Negri Sembilan and Singapore. He contined to serve in a variety of roles and in 1950, Blythe was appointed the Colonial Secretary. He retired in 1953 but returned to Singapore in 1955 to work on his book.

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It is unknown how the Society acquired these Papers. It is probable they were given by Dennis Duncanson who served as both Director and President of the Society in the 1990s.

Wilfred Blythe Lawson completed his education in Birkenhead Institute and Liverpool University. In 1921 he joined the Malayan Civil Service and went to Canton in 1922 to study Cantonese. Blythe served as Assistant Protector or Protector of Chinese in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johore, Negri Sembilan and Singapore. He contined to serve in a variety of roles and in 1950, Blythe was appointed the Colonial Secretary. He retired in 1953 but returned to Singapore in 1955 to work on his book.

These papers were catalogued by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2020. Further information about the provenance of the material was provided by Blythe's grand-daughter, Isabelle Norbye, in 2024 and the catalogue subsequently updated.

These papers were catalogued by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2020.

Digital photography (without flash) for research purposes may be permitted upon completion of a copyright declaration form, and with respect to current UK copyright law.

These papers were the property of William Lawson Blythe. On his death he asked for his Asian material to be given to his friend, Dennis Duncanson.

The Royal Asiatic Society Library holds a copy of Blythe's book, Impact of Chinese Secret Societies in Malaya : A Historical Study. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. p. 580. ISBN 9780192149749. More details can be found in our Library catalogue: https://ras.koha-ptfs.co.uk/.

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