Great Britain. Consulate (Nuku'alofa, Tonga)
administrative history
Although Tonga has been a constitutional monarchy since 1875, under treaties of friendship of 1879 and 1900 the kingdom ceded control of its foreign affairs and the right to try all foreigners as British subjects under British law, to Great Britain. Great Britain was represented by the British Agent and Consul who reported to the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific. A modified treaty of 1905 gave Britain even more power over Tonga, including the right to approve all appointments and dismissals of high government officials.
The Treaty of Friendship was revised in 1958, with changes in the role and name of the British representative: henceforth he/she would be 'British Commissioner and Consul'. For a full explanation of this change see: 'Memorandum on revised Treaty of Friendship' in 'Treaty of friendship between Great Britain and Tonga 1958, and associated papers. Nuku’alofa, 1958. (NZ Glass Case 328.9612 G78).
Tonga gained full independence in 1970.
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
British Agent and Consul, Tonga, records
Collection contains records created and maintained by the British Consulate in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, including completed passport applications and certificates of identity, Special and Advance Warrants, papers relating to estates administered by HBM Consul in Tonga Miscellaneous, drawings and plans and other miscellaneous records.
British Agent and Consul, Tonga, secret and confidential correspondence files, subject prefix series
These records form part of the Western Pacific Archives (MSS & Archives 2003/1).
British Agent and Consul, Tonga, secret and confidential files, alphabetical prefix series
These records form part of the Western Pacific Archives (MSS & Archives 2003/1).
High Commissioner and Consul General for the Western Pacific papers relating to Tongan Affairs
Collection contains the HBM High Commissioner and Consul-General for the Western Pacific's copies of deeds, despatches, correspondence and other papers relating to Tongan affairs.