First in India and then in Burma J K Stanford held the following appointments:
- Deputy director of CommerciaI intelligence, Calcutta, January 1922.
- Services placed at the government of Burma’s disposal, June 1923.
- Under Secretary Home and Police Department, December 1923.
- Officiating Deputy Commissioner, June 1924.
- Registrar, High Court, Rangoon, June 1925.
- Officiating deputy commissioner, June 1927.
- District commissioner of Prome District 1929.
- District commissioner of Insein District 1930.
- Secretary Revenue Department, Burma, June 1932.
- Deputy commissioner for Myitkyina from 1932–36.
After the First War, a career in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) followed, for Burma was, up until 1936, administratively part of India. It was with Burma he fell in love, not just with the attractive landscape and lifestyle, but also the people and language.
JK’s contempt for white people who failed to attempt any competence in the indigenous languages reveals his deep respect for the inhabitants of the territory ruled by the British.
In his novella, ‘Last Chukker’, the protagonist is portrayed as a flawed, but essentially moral, character whose assimilation with the locals draws criticism from white, ‘polite’ society: “He had learnt the Burmese language really well…the way that Government had frowned on even then and which these young chaps never attempted.” Indeed, JK’s attitude here echoes the views of George Orwell, who famously served in the Burmese Police in the 1920s: “Some damned Memsahib…living twenty years in the country without learning a word of the language.” It would be inaccurate, however, to contend that JK was anti-colonial, for he lamented the changes that took place from 1948 when Burma gained her independence.
His was an approach of engagement rather than subjugation; of experiencing the culture rather than supressing it; of living amongst the people out in the country, rather than hiding in the white man’s club. JK rose steadily through the ranks of the ICS, up to and including the relatively senior and influential position of Deputy Commissioner. His service might be described as loyal, diligent and steadfast when viewed through British eyes and his part in quelling the Rebellion of the early thirties, which was endorsed with an OBE, suggests he indeed held a traditional attitude towards the Empire’s subjects; however, his relationship with the people of Burma was nevertheless respectful, sympathetic and friendly.
When it was decided, in 1936, that Burma would be divided from India whilst remaining under the control of the British, generous pensions were offered to civil servants who might perhaps consider retirement. JK seized this opportunity to conclude his time in Burma.