MILITARY POLICE TO BE SENT IN FORCE TO WESTERN SAMOA

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7135, 5 February 1930, Page 5

MILITARY POLICE TO BE SENT IN FORCE TO WESTERN SAMOA

“Mau Must be Broken” %. SOME WEEKS’ GRACE ACCORDED SAMOANS HON. J. G. COBBE TO VISIT APIA. Per F*BS3 Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Prime Minister announced today that in view of the necessity to bring the present situation in Samoa to a satisfactory termination as speedily as possible, the Government has decided to take steps to prepare a sufficient force of military polico for dispatch to tho territory, should circumstances require it and in particular, if it becomes necessary to relieve tho H.M.S. Dunedin. It will be some weeks before the police will be Toady to leave New Zealand and it is hoped that events during that period may render it unnecessary for the force to be sent. "The Government in Samoa is chat* longed by the Mau and as a result of the Mau’s organised activities, warrants for arrest on criminal charges have not been executed. The authority of the administration must be asserted and law and order in the territory must bo maintained. This cannot bo brought about until there is a completecessation of the Mau movement and there is now no alternative but to securo that objective. "It would be well for those who are in sympathy with the Mau to recognise this and if they are genuinely anxious for the restoration of harmony in tho territory, they can best contribute to .that end by counselling the abandonment of the Mau, when tho way will bo open for a discussion and redress of any grievances that may be found to exist.’ * The Hon. J. G. Cobbo is leaving for tile territory next week.