WESTERN SAMOA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18159, 2 February 1921, Page 5

WESTERN SAMOA

NEW ZEALAND’S MANDATE.

(Fbom Oue Own Coeeespondent.) WELLINGTON, February 1. The text of the mandate under which New Zealand holds Western Samoa is now in the possession, of the Government. The plenipotentiaries of the British Empire, Italy, and Japan agree that a mandate shall bo conferred upon his Britannic Majesty, to he exercised on his behalf by the Government of the dominion of New Zealand to administer German Samoa. The United States will have power to adhere to the declaration on ratifying the Treaty of Versailles. The principal articles of the mandate are as follows:—His Britannic Majesty, for and on behalf of the Government of the dominion of New Zealand accepts the mandate hereby conferred upon him, and undertakes to execute the same on behalf of the League of Nations in accordance with the following provisions: In the case of any dispute arising as to whether any island is, or is not, included in the above mandate, the question shall bo referred to the council of the League of Nations, whose decision shall be final. The mandatory shall have full power of administration and of legislation over the territory subject to the present mandate as aa integral portion of the dominion of New Zealand, and may apply the laws of the dominion of New Zealand, to the territory subject to such local modifications as circumstances may require. The mandatory undertakes to promote to the utmost the material and moral wellbeing and the social progress of the inhabitants of the territory. The mandatory undertakes that the slave trade shall be prohibited, and that no labour shall be permitted except for essential public works and services* and then only for adequate remuneration. The mandatory further undertakes that the traffic in arms and ammunition shall be controlled in accordance with the principles analogous to those laid down in the convention relating to the control of the arms traffic.

The supply of intoxicating spirits and beverages to the natives shall be prohibited. The military training of the natives otherwise than for purposes of internal police and the local defence of the territory shall be prohibited. Furthermore, no military or naval bases shall be established or fortifications erected in the_ territory. Subject to the provisions of any local law for the maintenance of public order and public morals, the mandatory Power guarantees in the territory freedom of conscience and the free exercise of all forms of worship, and_ undertakes to allow all missionaries, nationals of any State, or member of the League of to enter into, travel, and reside in the territory for the purpose of prosecuting their calling. The mandatory shall make to the council of the League of Nations an annual report to the satisfaction of the council containing full information with regard to the territory, and indicating the measures taken to carry out the obligations assumed. The mandate cannot be modified except by consent of the council of the League of Nations. If any dispute as to interpretation arises which cannot be settled by negotiation, it is to be submitted to the Permanent Court of International Justice provided for by the covenant of the League of Nations.