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Microform Collection

Title: Asian economic history. Series two : Economic development in Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, 1950-1980 (Public Record Office files from the Foreign Office, Colonial Office, Treasury, Dominions Office, Board of Trade and Cabinet Committees)
Author: Great Britain. Public Record Office.
Call Number:
 MICROFILM 6034
Publisher: Marlborough : Adam Matthew Publications, <2001->
Description: <48> microfilm reels ; 35 mm 
Parts 1 & 2

Subject(s):
Asia--Economic conditions--20th century--Sources

Notes: This microfilm project focuses on the dramatic growth achieved in Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan between the years 1950-1980. This collection of Public Record Office material includes Cabinet papers, Colonial, Dominions and Foreign Office files as well as Treasury documents. This series will form a prime source for social, political and economic historians studying economic development in South and South East Asia.

Part 1 covers 1950-1954, a period that witnessed the beginning of the Cold War and conflict in Korea. Many Asian countries concerned were either recovering from Japanese occupation or trying to shake off their colonial past. The new communist regime in mainland China also put immense pressure on the whole area, as FO 371/84539 shows. Part 2 covers the years 1955-1958, a period that saw the Cold War crisis deepen and the aftermath of conflict in Korea. The consolidation of the communist regime continued in China, and this had repercussions for the economy of South East Asia. Ensuring the political stability of the region became a prime concern for international governments and foreign investors. Undermining the ideological appeal of communism depended on the creation of strong economies and good living standards in the moderate nations. Material selected from a variety of PRO classes illustrates how this financial and industrial development was achieved.

Publication type: Documents, Papers
Country: Great Britain
Time period: 1950-1958

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