TONGAN ANNEXATION.

Evening Star, Issue 11252, 28 May 1900, Page 2

TONGAN ANNEXATION.

AUCKLAND, May 28. The ‘Star’s’ Tonga correspondent, writing under date May 12, says that nothing is settled re the annexation of the grout. Negotiations were still proceeding between the King aud the Commissioners. It was rumored that a new treaty was being prepared to the clause, which gives the British a protectorate. The Tongans strongly object, and the Commissioners insist on its being retained, hence the deadlock. Later Tongan news is to the effect that Mr Thomson, the British Commissioner, was to meet the King and chiefs soon after the Taviuni’e departure. The King wishes the agreement to contain a provision assuring the kingship of Tonga to himself aud his line, the Tongan flag to be guaranteed, and the total independence of Tonga from outside control. He wishes a protectorate only so far as it would guarantee Tonga against foreign agreements. Mr Thomson refused to accede to these points, and if an agreement is not corns to at this meeting Mr Thomson proceeds to Sydney in H.MiS. Porpoise, breaking off negotiations.