Here's some background information I stumbled across. Once upon a time NM started dnsmasq in strict-order mode but this was changed.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/network- manager/+bug/903854 This bug was mentioned in the discussion about domain name service changes for Precise. https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/foundations-p-dns- resolving -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1003842 Title: dnsmasq sometimes fails to resolve private names in networks with non- equivalent nameservers To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/dnsmasq/+bug/1003842/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs