Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge

Abstract

Territory — Sovereignty — Original title — Prescription — Conduct — Acquiescence — Islands — Small island near the coasts of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia — Whether originally part of the territory of the Sultanate of Johor — Whether Johor losing title by virtue of prescription — Difference between prescription and estoppel — Construction by Singapore of lighthouse on island — Acts manifesting intention to act à titre de souverain — Correspondence between Johor and Singapore prior to independence — Whether involving recognition of Singapore’s title — Rocks located close to the island — Whether also acquired by Singapore — Low-tide elevation — Whether capable of separate acquisition — Whether sovereignty residing with State in whose territorial waters feature located

Sea — Maritime features — Low-tide elevation — Whether capable of separate acquisition — Whether appertaining to State on basis of location in territorial waters

States — Statehood in seventeenth century — Sultanate of Johor — Recognition as sovereign State — Title to islands — Relations with colonial powers during nineteenth and twentieth centuries

State succession — Independence of colonial territories — Singapore and Malaysia — Relations between colonial authorities in Singapore and Government of Johor during colonial period — Relations at time of independence — Secession of Singapore from Malaysia — Title to territory