were privately told that if they resisted, an inquiry would be held into their relations, conduct and collaboration with the Japanese occupation during the war. The sitting rulers, many of whom were concerned that both their offices and social positions would be destroyed, quickly complied. Later, when their positions were confirmed and secure, many would complain that the they had not been given the opportunity to consult with their state councils nor with each other. In the words of the Sultan of Kedah, "I was presented with a verbal ultimatum and a time limit, and in the event of my refusing to sign the new agreement,... a successor who would sign would be appointed". The treaties provided that the British had full administrative powers over the Malay states except in areas pertaining to Islamic customs. The Malays strongly protested the treaties, which had the effect of circumscribing the spiritual and moral authority of the Malay rulers over which the Malays held high esteem. Communal tensions between the Malays and the Chinese were high, and the prospect of granting citizenship to non-Malays was deemed unacceptable to the Malays. Opposition to the Malayan Union and MacMichael's perceived highhanded ways in getting the Malay rulers consent led to the birth of Malay nationalism in British Malaya. Family MacMichael's daughter, Araminta, married the politician and business leader Toby Low, 1st Baron Aldington. His other daughter, Priscilla, married James Raynes, a US Navy officer. References External links 1882 births 1969 deaths Alumni of Magdalene College, Cambridge People educated at Bedford School Anti-Zionism in Mandatory Palestine British High Commissioners of Palestine Colonial Administrative Service officers Governors of Tanganyika (territory) Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Mandatory Palestine people of World War II Sudan Political Service officers