THE PACIFIC.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16479, 24 March 1919, Page 7

THE PACIFIC.

NEW ZEALAND'S CLAIMS,

STATEMENT RESENTED.

LONDON, March 21. Mr Massev's official correspondent writes: —It is considered a matter tor surprise that the Wellington Evening Post," as quoted in "The Times or March ISth, in a messngo from its Wellington correspondent, should so grossly and mischievously misrepresent the actual position regarding British ana New Zealand claims respecting Samoa. The "Post's" statement that Mr . F. Massev's claim _is based on a. "parochial and anti-Imperial absurdity," is extravagantly incorrect. Ihe claim to Samoa, entrusted to, and advocated by Mr Massey. is not based on tho fact that New Zealand troops took possession of tho former German territory at all. That was merely an incidental, and Mr Massey, when presenting his case to the Allied Council, cited and acknowledged the aid given by the lioyal Navy and tho Allies. Possession of Samoa was taken at tho request of the Imperial Government for the Empire, aiming particularly at the elimination of a German naval base in the South Pacific. Mr Massey would be perfectly satisfied tosco Samoa become a British possession, but the policy of the Great Allied Powers is against anything in tho form of annexation. Tho policy of Great Britain is exactly the policy advocated by Mr Massey, and that is nothing more or loss than that Samoa should be placed under tho control of New as tho mandatory State, and that New Zealand administration and laws should operate in tho new territory, with certain safeguards regarding the natives. •Mr Massey's claim, as representing Groat Britain's policy is neither parochial nor anti-Imperial, nor opposed to Japan. It ought to be mentioned that Mr Massey has had, and is hav«ing, serious difficulties to contend with. These difficulties will bo increased if New Zealanders take up the attitude of the "Evening Post" and of the correspondent of "The Times." Both M. Clemenceau and Mr Lloyd George, who heard all claims respecting tho disposal of enemy territory, warmly congratulated Mr Massey on his powerful, but thoroughly fair, presentation of the Samoan case before the Council of tho Allied Powers.