GERMANS IN SAMOA.

Auckland Star, Issue LI, 24 May 1920, Page 4

GERMANS IN SAMOA.

REPATRIATION ORDER.

AN ISIAND BOMBSKEIX.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) APIA, May 11. The issue three days ago by the Adrainstrator of a proclamation under which a large number of German residents are to be sent back to their native land came as a bombshell to the local community. The German nationals whom it is proposed to repatriate and liquidate their property rights are divided into two main classes. Class A comprises persons of German nationality and blood exclusive of those married to persons of Samoan descent, and class B to persons of German nationality and blood married to Samoans or persons of Samoan descent. The first class includes about 89 persons, of whom 45 are married men. They are to be repatriated forthwith, and it is notified that a steamer for the purpose is expected about the end of June. The second class, which totals 33, are proclaimed liable to deportation, but are permitted to remain during good behaviour. There is a third-class (C), composed of persons of German nationality but partially of Samoan blood, who axe exempt from the proclamation. The attitude of the Government towards this class, and also those who are exempted from repatriation during good behaviour is set; put as follows:—In permitting class C Germans to remain in Samoa, the authorities are influenced by the consideration that Samoa is the home and birth-place of persons of this class, that they possess some

measure of Samoan blood, and that to send them to Germany would in many cases be injurious to their health and contrary to their sentiments of affection for their native land. In permiting class B Germans to remain in Samoa during good behaviour the authorities are influenced by the consideration that this class has intermarried with persons of Samoan

blood and that their presence here is justified in many cases by parental relation to half-caste families who require i maintenance and parental control. | The value of property of those who are to be repatriated is to be assessed before their departure, and they are to be provided with a warrant for payment by the - German Government of the amount due. Transport is to be provided i free. The general feeling of the community is ' that the steps the Government are taking may well prove disastrous to the islands. Many of the men whose names appear °n jthe list of those to be sent away are j counted among the most experienced I overseers and planters of Samoa, and it is difficult to see where the experienced {men to take their places are to be I obtained. =