HAWAII AND THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6825, 2 October 1883, Page 5

HAWAII AND THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

[PER S.S. TE AtTAU", AT THE BLUFF. J London, September 19. The Hawaiian kingdom has protested against the proposed annexation of the New Hebrides and other islands of the Pacific by any foreign Power. THE PROTEST. Whereas, His Hawaiian Majesty's Govern- ' ment being informed that certain sovereign and colonial states propose to annex various islands and archipelagoes of Polynesia, does hereby solemnly protest against such projects of annexation as unjust to a simple and ignorant people, aud subversive in their case of those conditions for favourable national development, which, have been so happily accorded to the Hawaiian nation. The Hawaiian people, enjoying the blessings of national independence, confirmed by the joint action of great and magnanimous states, ever ready to afford favourable opportunities for self-government, cannot be silent about, or indifferent to, acts of intervention in contiguous and kindred groups which menace j their own situation. The Hawaiian people, I encouraged by favourable ,political conditions, have cultivated and entertain a strong national sentiment, which leads tbem not only to cherish their own political Btaie, but also inspires them with a desire to have extended to kindred yet less favoured communities of Polynesia like favourable opportunities for national development. And whereas a Hawaiian Legislative Assembly, expressing unanimously the spirit of the nation, has declared that it was the duty of His Hawaiian Majesty's Government to proffer to kindred peoples and states of the Pacific an advisary assistance to aid them in securing opportunities for improving their political and social conditions. His Hawaiian Majesty's Government, responding to the national will, and, to the especial appeals of several Polynesian chiefs, has sent a special commission to several of the Polynesian ohieftans and states to advise them in their national affairs. And His Hawaiian Majesty's Government, speaking for the Hawaiian people, so happily prospering through national independence, makes earnest appeal to the Governments of great and enlightened states, that they will recognise the inalienable rights of the several native communities of Polynesia to enjoy opportunities for progress and self-government, and will guarantee to them the same favourable opportunities which have made Hawaii prosperous and happy, and which invite her national spirit to lift up a voice among the nations in behalf of sister islands and groups of Polynesia. By order of His Majesty-in-Council. — (Signed) Waltkr M. Gibson, Minister of Foreign Affairs. lolani Palace, Honolulu, Ansust 23, 1883.