GERMANY IN THE PACIFIC.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 14, 17 July 1905, Page 5

GERMANY IN THE PACIFIC.

THE ALLEGED MONOPOLY. COMMERCIAL REFORMB. [press association.] LONDON, 16th July. Lord Lansdowne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, states that the British Minister at Berlin is enquiring into the conditions under which foreigners are able to obtain domiciles for trading purposes in the Marshall Islands, and whether British firms will be aßle after Ist October (when new arrangements com© into force) to reI sum© trading without unreasonable restrictions. » The Minister is also enquiring into the alleged German monopoly at the Caroline Islands. Lord Lansdonno believes the present prohibition of British trade at the Carolines is not absolute, and is probably due to unauthorised local action. Referring to Loid Lansdowne's statements, the Berlin press is semi-ofiicially informed that Germany has already recognised tho need for reforms in the international commercial regulations respecting the Marshall and Caroline Islands, and that tho Government is likely to revise tho Jaluit Company's contract, probably taking over the management of the islands. The newspapers add that reductions in ' duty are contemplated in October, and will remedy for the present most causes of complaint. They add that there is no need for hurry, since Prince yon Bulow (the Imperial Chancellor) is busy j ! with much more important matters. ]