BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13613, 5 December 1907, Page 5

BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

MARSHALL ISLANDS CLAIM. By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright. Berlin, December <$■ The Kolnische Zeitung says that Germany is very desirous of settling' the claims of Messrs. Burn, Ph.iip, ; ■ and Co., of Sydney, in connection with the Island trade in the .spirit of equity, while equity and goodwill on the British side with regard'to ; the German claims in ■. connection with the Boer War is presupposed. London, December 3. It is announced in London that the Secretary ,of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey) is considering arbitration on the latter subject. ' ~v

- Between three and four , years ago, find - ~. ing that German vessels were; competing . keenly for trade in the Pacific, both in the British and - German possessions,, Messrs. Burns,Philp, and Co. decided to take advantage of the treaty between Great Britain and Germany, which allowed : equal rights to both nations, and extended their . operations to the German protectorate; of the Marshall • Islands. 'The German anthorities, uowever, strenuously fought against Burns, Philp and Co., and 'refused the treaty rights to which they were entit-. led. Heavy taxation was put upon the steamers of Burn Philp and Co., and . ultimately the German authorities made it practically impossible for them to continue the trade. As a consequence of this the firm made a claim for £10,000 : against the German Government. The counter-claim is for losses" alleged to have been suffered by German residents in 1 the Transvaal, on account of tke war. -