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The Dutch protected cruiser H.Ms. Noord-Brabant
An item reported that the Portuguese armoured corvette Vasco da Gama (1) visited Tandhong Priok, Dutch East Indies between 6-12 October 1910. She was nearly involved in a diplomatic flag incident which could have large consequences as the Dutch navy and army were ordered to stay alert for action.(2)
Notes
1. Laid down by Thames Iron Works and Shipbuilding Company, Blackwall, London, England in 1875, launched on 1 December 1876, completed in 1878, reconstructed by Orlando, Livorno, Italy in 1901, crew mutinied partly in 1913 and fully in 1915, disarmed in 1933 and sold to be broken up in 1935.
2. The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf dated 17 November 1910 reported that the Dutch parliament member Hugenholtz asked the cabinet if it was correct that when the Portuguese cruiser was ordered by her own government to change her old flag by the Republican flag the Dutch East Indies cabinet ordered her to depart within 4 days from Tandjong Priok. At the same time was the Dutch protected cruiser Hr.Ms. Noord-Noordbrabant ordered to depart as soon as possible Surabaya to support the ordered and the infantry was to wait in the barracks and no leave was allowed. The minister of Foreign Affairs answered also for his colleague of Colonies that the governor general was instructed to increase the stay of the Vasco da Gama in the harbour of Tandjong Priok with another 4 days. On 11 October was telegraphed that she could stay at Tandjong Priok for the time being although without an official government treatment. The Noord-Brabant was indeed on the 8th October ordered to come. The minister was not familiar with the orders for the infantry. The Constitutional Kingdom of Portugal was replaced by the First Portuguese Republic after the revolt of 5 October 1910.
Source
Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht 1909-1910.
