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The rise of the British empire - India
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source eight   TranscriptUseful notes
Extract from a letter written by a British official in 1785 about the island of Diego Garcia
(Catalogue ref: FO 148/6 no.1)
Catalogue ref: FO 148/6 no1; letter about island of Diego Garcia, 1785
How to use this source
Study this source carefully. Different parts of the source will contain clues about why the British became empire builders in India. As you study the source, ask yourself:
  • What instructions are being sent to Bombay from Britain?
  • Why do you think the British would want to control the island of Diego Garcia?
  • Does this source provide any clues as to why the British became empire builders in India?
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