SAMOA HITCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17177, 22 October 1923, Page 8

SAMOA HITCH.

WHERE SHOULD REPORTS BE SENT? THE LEAGUE’S CONTENTION (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, October 22. An interesting point has cropped up affecting New Zealand’s relations with the' League of Nations. The Permanent Alandatcs Commission, reporting to the Council of the League recently, criticised the New Zealand Government’s action in not preparing a report itself on Samoa, and forwarding it direct to the council. What happened was that the administrator drew up a report to the Government which was forwarded to the Secretary-General of the League by Sir Francis Bell. The Commission says that the Administrator should have submitted his report to the Council of the League by way of the New Zealand Government, and not to the Government first. It is pointed out that the reports should he issued by the mandatory Powers themselves, and the hope is expressed that in future the reports will he submitted in such a form as to make it clear that the mandatory Power takes full responsibility. The question now at issue is whether the Administrator of Samoa is a servant of the New Zealand Government or the League of Nations, because if he was sent to Samoa by the Dominion authorities, then he should apparently forward his report to the Government instead of direct to the League. Interviewed to-day. Sir Francis Bell said tlie point was one of very considerable importance, hut "would not be dealt ■with until the Government had an opportunity’ of conferring with All* Alassey on his return.