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The proposal was dropped amid concerns that it would damage relations with Britain, whose interest in Borneo was growing.
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A newly published book says King Willem II briefly considered a proposal in 1843 to sell Borneo to France for at least 50 million guilders. Colonial minister J.C. Baud suggested the deal as a way to reduce Dutch state debt, Nieuws.nl reports in its account of *Van Willem de Zwijger tot Willem-Alexander*, a book on the House of Orange’s colonial history. [1]
Willem II saw the financial appeal but decided not to pursue the plan because he feared lasting harm to relations with Britain, according to the account. No sale took place. [1]
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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