SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1930, Page 5

SAMOA

PLAN OF OPERATIONS

THE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT,

(By .Telegrapli—Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, February 17

The “Herald’s” A| >ia correspondent writing on February 7th, says the plan

off- operations by the police hacked by sailors and marines from H..M.S. Dunedin, .appears to be cutting off of supplies to Man. natives in the hills arid to arrest the wanted men as opportunity offers.

Numerous small parties have been arrested but most of these have been released, as there were no charges against them. The wanted men occupy tire hill country, the greater part of which is extremely difficult of access. Samoans have all the advantage in the event of pursuit.

Only one casualty has been reported, a young Samoan who resisted arrest was shot in the abdomen and died. This is a tribute to the ..discipline and patience of the men on outpost duty. Any attempt to forecast the outcome or duration of the campaign would he foolhardy. Those best . qualified to judge believe that small bands of natives will be captured from time to time, with little resistance, until the wanted men arid perhaps a, few diehards of the Mau remain. These they believe, will be able to evade capture for a long time, if their determination holds out.

A further tightening of the cordon will come into effect next week to prevent supplies reaching the fugitives illietly.

In the first statement issued by the Administrator, he said the object of the forces operation in Samoa were to secure trial by the Court of any who have broken the law, and to bring before the Administrator certain chiefs whom he desires to see to discuss with them the future of Samoa, and to put an end to the Mau and so restore harmony to the country.

Thfe idea that those who surrender will be shot, is quite wrong. I have no intention of any harsh or vindictive treatment and feel confident the good sense and influence of all the chiefs will bring about an early peace. The warship will remain and operations continue till the above objects are accomplished. In a later statement, the Administrator saicj the New Zealand ..Govern- / ment is determined to put a stop to the Alan and end the disorder. To make further measures unnecessary it is required ; (■U) —that all who have broken the law be given up for due trial- bv the Court.

(2) —that chiefs named above shall neet.

(3) The Mau shall cease.

IMPRESSIONS OF COMMODORE BLAKE

WELLINGTON. February 18

Commodore Blake of H.M.S. Dunedin, in the couse of an interview, giving his impressions on the situation in Samoa says niv own opinion is the present policy is the only possible one when Administration’s demands have been fulfilled. There has been no need for harsh treatrnent or retaliation, but until that time, force is the only thing that will appeal to the Mau. My opinion from the outset has been that nothing but a large force could possibly bring pressure sufficient to bear on the Mau sheltering in the bush' and the villages. Indirect pressure can be exerted by cutting off food supplies to natives in the ..bush and preventing them coming into the villages. This can only me achieved by a very large number of men involving patrols right round the coast in conjunction with strong raiding parties. The matter has got to be settled now and there- is no alteration.