Factor 1: Singapore is located along the main trading route between Britain, India and China. This would result in much competition between Singapore and ports controlled by other European powers along this route, in turn causing rivalry in the East between the different European colonial masters.

Factor 2: Singapore has a deep and sheltered harbour, providing easy access to all ships. As Singapore is in a very desirable location, the British would need to spend time and money to construct a fort for Singapore to protect it from any siege, conveniently helped by the deep harbour which allowed big ships to attack Singapore.

Factor 3: Singapore, just below the Malaya Peninsular, is widely considered to be part of it. As the Dutch were allianced with the Sultan controlling the Malayan Archipelago, setting up a settlement in Singapore would greatly anger the Dutch, which was detrimental to the already strained ties between...