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Introduction to the Resolutions
of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope
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The Dutch and English together in Table Bay
After the sea route to India had been discovered, both the Dutch and English expanded their shipping activities to the East and on their way frequently visited Table Bay . In 1608 a number of English sea captains and their crews anchored in Table Bay and during their stay they built a small fort, traded some livestock from the Khoi tribes, investigated the surroundings and even climbed Table Mountain .
In 1619 the Dutch and English reached a “Vergelyk” [understanding], which also concerned the Cape of Good Hope . But soon afterwards little was left of any co-operation. When a fleet of six English ships sailed into Table Bay in June 1620, they found nine Dutch ships already anchored there, whose Dutch officers were inspecting the land with the intention of settling at the Cape the following year. The English officers in command, however, stole the advantage from the Dutch when they hoisted the English flag on 3 July 1620 and annexed the land in the name of their king. On their return to England King James refused to sign the proclamation and the English lost their claim to the Cape . After this the English interest in the Cape as a settlement diminished drastically. In later years there was great tension as well as enmity between these two countries. England had to wait for more than 175 years for its second chance to take possession of the Cape of Good Hope .
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