"CANNOT CONTINUE."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 69, 22 March 1928, Page 10

"CANNOT CONTINUE."

SITUATION IN SAMOA.

PRIME MINISTER'S WARNING.

TRIBUTE PAID TO NATIVES.

GOVERNMENT MAY USE FORCE

POLICE TO BE STRENGTHENED,

'"y Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

"The New Zealand Government cannot and will not allow the existing position to continue," declares the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, in a statement made to-day on the situation in Samoa. After reviewing the recent happenings in Samoa, Mr. Coates concludes; "I wish the public of New Zealand to understand how very reluctant the Government is to have recourse to the final arbitrament of force. It must be admitted that the Mau natives, misguided and misled as they undoubtedly are, mischievous as their activities have consistently proved, have throughout acted with restraint, and with perhaps the inevitable exception of a few minor incidents of larrikinism, have never at any time given occasion to believe that they will resort to violence. Their movement has been and still is one of passlvo resistance. They are certainly in earnest in their adherence to the Mini, and in their belief in the existence of grievances which to any sensible person must appear to be purely imaginary. They profess, and, I believe, net upon the highest principles of Christianity, and before taking any step it is their habit to pray for guidance. They consistently assert that they are Christians, with no intention of harming anybody, and although the Jaw has not been complied with it must be admitted that up to the present there has been no reason to doubt these pacific professions.

"I mention these facts in order that the public may be aware of the atmosphere that surrounds this extraordinary statu of affairs, but it must be understood at the same time that the New Zealand Government cannot and will not allow the existing position to continue. It is our duty to govern Samoa, but we have felt that, in view of the necessary departuro of tho present Administrator and tho appointment of his successor, it would bo wise, especially in view of our conviction that force .should not be resorted to until all other means have failed, to defer further action until the new -Administrator has taken over and tho natives have had a further opportunity to realise their position, and the Government's.

I feel sure that the people of New Zealand, however, concerned they may bo at tho position that has been created in Samoa, would not wish to risk precipitating * conflict w|th these Innocent though misguided people unless such a course was unavoidable. At the present moment the Government do not feel that it is unavoidable. They hope and believe that the position will right itself, but they wish to make it plain, in New Zealand and in Samoa, that if peaceable measures fail, the AdminUtrator will receive the fttilest support from the Government of New Zealand in any measures that'.autjr be necessary. to restore order and enforce law in the Territory. "In . the meantime, we are taking the obvious precaution of arranging for an effective police force." ,