ANNEXATIONS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1162, 15 July 1885, Page 4

ANNEXATIONS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

The Pacific Commission has finally concluded its labors, and the .recommendations agreed to by the English and German representatives are likely to meet with general approval. We believe the following are the leading points of settlement. The subjects of one Power are to have equal 'rights, in all respects, in the territories of the other Power. , Whatever advantages have arisen to German subjects as a consequence of the annexation of .Mew Ireland and other places recently placed under the German flag will be shared by all English traders. Germans, on the other 'hand, will enjoy the advantages of British^ subjects in New Guinea. There are to be no differential duties, nor is one Power to impede the ships of the other.- Arms, ammunition, and alcohol are nob to be sold by either Power. The Solomon Islands, the New Hebrides, Friendly Islands, and Navigators are to remain " open as common fields of action, and their independence is not to be interfered with." The inclusion of tho TS'ew Hebrides in this list should be significant to the French Government. The special interest of British trade is recognized in the Ellice, Gilbert, and other groups, and thp preponderance of German interests in the Caroline and Marshall. Islands is admitted. ' -But the questions relating to ! Samoa are unsettled. It will doubtless be left to diplomacy to find a modus vivendi between Germany, the United States, and England. It is hardly probable that the claims.pf New Zealand in this respect will be reedguized.