This book gives an account of Britain's policy towards Southeast Asia in the years 1945–50. Aspects of this topic have been dealt with by other writers, but there are gaps. The present book aims to fill some of these, but its main novelty is its overall approach, placing the policy towards the various countries in the region both in juxtaposition with one another and in the larger international context.

A great deal has been written on Malaya and Borneo, and the book does not aim to repeat that. It is more concerned with Burma before and after 1948 and with Britain's post-war relations with Siam. I recognise that much has also been written on the international aspects of the Indonesian revolution, but this book carries the account of Britain's policy beyond the Linggadjati agreement of November 1946. Britain's dealing with French Indo-China is also taken beyond the departure of Gracey earlier that year.

Though its focus is on British policy, the book throws light on that of the Dutch and of the French, and in particular on the impact on it of metropolitan politics. It also throws light, of course, on the nationalists, and in particular their relative ability to exploit the international situation in pursuit of their goals.

The book is divided into six chapters. The chronological divisions employed correspond to major changes within and outside the region. Each chapter has an introduction on the changes and then deals with the several countries concerned, bringing out the general themes and interrelationships.