GERMANY IN THE PACIFIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14472, 15 March 1909, Page 5

GERMANY IN THE PACIFIC

RUMOURED ANNEXATION OF AN ISLAND.. WARSHIPS ON THE MOVE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, March 14. (Received .March IS, at 0.55 a.m.) A Canton telegram to tho New York Herald states that it is believed that Germany intends to annex an island in Hie l'acilic and lo transfer to it her Pacific naval base. The supposition is strengthened by the fact that- the commandant of the German squadron at Clan ton has shipped aboard a German sleasnor a quantity of food supplies, guns, nmnr.iuition, and material fer the erection of barrack? for a destination unknown. Hie Tsriti.--.il cruiser Flora lias been ordered to watch the vessel. AN EXPLANATION FROM GERMANY. LONDON', March 14, (Received March 15, at- 0.55 a.m.) A Berlin telegram to Renter's Agency states that in response to the Governor of Samoa three waisbips on the China, station, under the command of Rearadmiral Ctirpcr, aboard the cruiser Leipzig, are now <!ue at Apia, and that the gunboats Jaguar and Arkona are following. It is added that in connection with the succession of the King of Mutfa some oppo.-ilion to the German supremacy has been organised by a chief named Lanoki. u-lio refuse-; to obey the Governor, and it is hoped that the presence of tho vrnrshipr. will bo sufficient censure and punishment. of tiie ringleaders, and lead to the prevention oi bloodshed.