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1915. NEW ZEALAND

EUROPEAN WAR: OCCUPATION OF GERMAN SAMOA BY AN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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"no"' From or t0 whom ' Date - Subject. Page. 1914. :s 1 To the Governor of Telegram j August 6 States that if his Ministers desire and feel able to New Zealand seize the German wireless station at Samoa, His Majesty's Government would regard this as a great and urgent Imperial service, but that any territory now occupied must, at the conclusion of the war, be at the disposal of the Imperial Government for purposes of an ultimate settlement 2 The Governor of New Telegram (Ree. Aug. 7.) Reports that his Government agree to seizure of Zealand Samoa, and asks what escort can be provided, and when 3 Ditto .. .. Telegram (Ree. Aug. 8.) States that arrangements have now been made to despatch an Expeditionary Force to Samoa on Tuesday, 11th August, provided that an escort can be furnished. 4 To the Governor of Telegram August 8 Informs him tlmt the Admiralty see no objection New Zealand to the departure of the expedition to Samoa about I Ith August, provided the Senior Naval Offloer, New Zealand, considers it expedient, and provided he has been consulted and concurs in naval arrangements, and instructions will be sent to Senior Naval Officer accordingly 5 The Governor of New Telegram | August 9 States the composition of the expedition to Zealand ■ (Ree. Aug. 9.) Samoa (i To the Governor of Telegram August 18 Directs, in connection with the expedition against New Zealand Samoa, that the British Hag should be hoisted in all territories successfully occupied, and suitable arrangements made for temporary administration, but such territories should not be formally annexed without previous reference to His Majesty's Government 7 Admiralty .. .. August 30 Transmits telegram from the Bear-Admiral Commanding Australian Squadron reporting the occupation of Apia (Samoa) 8 The Governor of Now Telegram August 30 Reports the surrender of Samoa and the landing Zealand (ReO. Aug. 30.) of the military expedition without opposition 9 To the Governor of Telegram August 31 Requests him to convey to Ministers the heartiest New Zealand congratulations of His Majesty's Government on the successful occupation of Samoa by the Expeditionary Force :s 3 3 3 3 4 4 4

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TABLE OF CONTENTS- continued.

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Serial No. From or to whom. Date. Subject. Page, 1914. lo The Governor of New Zealand Telegram (Extract) (Rec. Sept. 2.) Communicates messages from the Officer Commanding Troops, Samoa, reporting occupation of Apia on 81st August without opposition Reports interview with the officers in command of the New Zealand expedition to Samoa, and the addition to it of ten Fijians and a certain number of Samoans of some standing in Fiji and of influence in their native country Transmits copies of two despatches from the Acting Administrator of Samoa reporting action ; he has since telegraphed his desire to replace'all German officials, and arrangements are being made by the New Zealand Government accordingly Instructions for the approach to, attack on, and occupation of Apia II The Governor of Fiji August 30 (Rec. Oct. 21.) 4 The Governor of New Zealand (Extract) September 16 (Rec. Oct. 21.) 12 5 13 The Vice - Admiral, His Majesty's Australian Fleet, to the Admiralty (Extract) October 23 (Rec. Dec. 26.) 10

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No. I. The Secretary of State to the Governor of New Zealand. (Sent 7.15 p.m., 6th August, 1914.) Telegram. [Answered by No. 2.] If your Ministers desire and feel themselves able to seize German wireless station at Samoa we should feel that this was a great and urgent Imperial service. Yon will realize, however, that any territory now occupied must at the conclusion of the war be at the disposal of Imperial Government for purposes of an ultimate settlement. Other dominions are acting on the same understanding in a similar way, and, in particular, Commonwealth is being consulted as to wireless stations at New Guinea, Yap, Marshnll Islands, and Nauru or Pleasant Island. —Harcourt.

No. 2. The Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State (Received 12.38 p.m., 7th August, 1914.) Telegram. Your telegram 6th. August [No. 1]: My Government agree to seizure of Samoa. In view of possibility of presence of German cruiser, please telegraph at once what escort can be provided, and when.— Liverpool.

No. 3. The Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State. (Received 11.31 a.m., Bth August, 1914.) Telegram. [Answered by No. 4.] I am desired by my Government to inform you that, provided that escort can be furnished, arrangements have now been made to despatch to Samoa an Expeditionary Force on Tuesday, 11th August. I have to ask for an immediate reply.—Liverpool.

No. 4. The Secretary of State to the Governor of New Zealand. (Sent 7.45 p.m., Bth August, 1914.) Telegram. Your telegram Bth August [No. 3]: Admiralty see no objection to departure expedition to Samoa about 11th instant when ready, provided latest local information at disposal Senior Naval Officer, New Zealand, does not render departure inexpedient, and provided he has been consulted and concurs in naval arrangements. They consider that, if guns available and time permits, transports may with advantage be lightly armed. Escort of one cruiser at least will be detailed. Instructions will be sent to Senior Naval Officer accordingly. Please inform me of composition and strength Force and sea transport . —Harcourt .

No. 5. The Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State. (Received 10.45 a.m., 9th August, 1914.) Telegram. 9th August. Your telegram of Bth August [No. 4] : One battalion of Infantry, one company Engineers, two 15-pounders, two 6-pounders, with Signal, Medical, and Army Service Corps details ; two transports : total Force, 1,383.— Liverpool.

No. 6. The Secretary of State to the Governor of New Zealand. (Sent 6.35 p.m., 18th August, 1914.) Telegram. In connection with expedition against Samoa, British flag should be hoisted in all territories successfully occupied by His Majesty's Forces, and suitable arrangements made for temporary administration ; but iio Proclamation formally annexing any such territory should be made without previous communication with His Majesty's Government. —-Harcourt.

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No. 7. Admiralty to Colonial Office. (Received 31st August, 1914.) Sir, — Admiralty, 30th August, 1914. I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith, for your information, copy of telegram of this date received from the Rear-Admiral Commanding Australian Squadron, respecting the occupation of Apia, &c. 1 am, &C, W. Graham Greene. Enclosure in No. 7. Telegram from Rear-Admiral Commanding Australian Squadron, Suva, to Admiralty. Took possession of Apia (Samoa Islands) to-day, 30th August (Eastern time). In reply to my summons to surrender, Acting-Governor, in absence of Governor, stated that he submitted to the occupation of the island. I carried out extensive sweeping operations before entering harbour, but found no mines. No resistance was offered. There have been no enemy ships in harbour for some time. Landing of troops was commenced during this afternoon. British flag hoisted. Officer Commanding Troops took over control from Lieutenant-Governor at 2 p.m. to-day. Will leave with " Australia," " Melbourne," and " Montcalm " for Suva as soon as disembarkation is complete, probably to-morrow.

No. 8. The Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State. (Received 6.0 p.m., 30th August, 1914.) Telegram. 30th August. I have received the following telegram from Admiral " Australia ": " Apia surrendered at 10.0 a.m., 30th August, Eastern time. Military expedition landed in afternoon without opposition," —Liverpool.

No. 9. The Secretary of State to the Governor of New Zealand. (Sent 2.10 p.m., 31st August, 1914 ) Telegram. Your telegram 30th August [No 8] : Please convey to your Ministers heartiest congratulations of His Majesty's Government on successful occupation of Samoa by Expeditionary Force.—Harcourt.

No 10. The Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State. (Received 3 18 p.m., 2nd September, 1914.) (Extract.) Telegram. Officer Commanding the Troops, Samoa, has sent me the following message : " Expedition under my command, with the assistance of the allied fleet, occupied Town of Apia 31st August (Eastern time). Governor of Samoa, who surrendered to me, is being sent with prisoners to Fiji. lam glad to report that there was no opposition, that the health of the troops is excellent, and that there have been no serious casualties since the expedition started.—Logan."—Liverpool.

No. 11. The Governor of Fiji to the Secretary of State. (Received 21st October, 1914.) (Extract.) Government House, Suva, 30th August, 1914. The Expeditionary Force from New Zealand, conveyed in two transports and escorted by H.M.S.S. " Australia," " Melbourne," " Psyche," " Philomel," and " Pyramus," and the French ship " Montcalm," arrived at Suva on the 26th instant and left at 8.30 the following morning. Rear-Admiral Sir George E. Patey, H.M.S. " Australia," accompanied by Captain Marshall, Senior Naval Officer, New Zealand, Colonel Logan, Officer in Charge of the Expeditionary Force, and Captain Radcliffe, H.M.S. " Australia," had an interview with me at Government House on the 26th instant, when I communicated to Sir George E. Patey, Captain Marshall, and Colonel Logan telegrams relating to the expedition which I had received from the Governor of New Zealand, and placed before them all the information which I thought might be useful. Sir G. E. Patey and Colonel Logan were good enough to allow a contingent of ten men from Fiji to accompany the expedition, and, from their knowledge of Natives, if for no other reason, the members of the contingent should be able to render useful service. I arranged also that a certain number of Samoans of some standing in Fiji, and of influence in their native country, should be placed at Colonel Logan's disposal. These men will be able to act as interpreters and guides, and will be valuable in making known to the Natives of Samoa the advantages that they will enjoy by becoming subjects of His Majesty the King.

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No. 12. The Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State. (Received 21st October, 191.4.) (Extract.) Government House, Sir, Dominion of New Zealand, Wellington, 16th September, .1.914. 1 have, the honour, to transmit to you copies of two despatches and enclosures from Colonel Logan, Acting Administrator of Samoa, for your personal inspection. 2. My Government are dealing with all the matters referred to in the despatches. 3. Since these two despatches were written I have received telegrams from Colonel Logan informing me that he desired to replace all the German officials. 4. The New Zealand Government propose filling all offices with capable Civil servants, and will pay them from here, pending arrangement at the time of settlement with the Imperial Government. 5. My Government have duly taken note of the fact that, in Colonel Logan's opinion, the administration can be efficiently undertaken with a smaller staff than was the case under German occupation. I have, &c, Liverpool, Governor.

Enclosure I in No. 12. (Despatch No. I.) Your Excellency,— Government House, Apia, Samoa, 2nd September, 1914. I have the honour to report that the Forces under my command, having embarked on H.M. Transports No. 1 (" Moeraki ") and No. 2 (" Monowai ") on the 14th August, 1914, at Wellington, sailed from that port at daybreak on. the following morning. We were met at the previously arranged rendezvous by H.M. ships " Psyche," " Philomel," and " Pyramus "at 4 p.m. on the 16th August. On this and the following nights no lights were shown. Throughout the voyage musketry and other exercises were carried out by the troops. On the 20th August the convoy arrived at Noumea, New Caledonia, at 11 a.m., and there met the French cruiser "Montcalm." During the day I, with my Staff Officer, attended a joint naval and military conference on board H.M.S. " Philomel." On the 21st August H.M.A. ships L ' Australia " and " Melbourne," with. Rear-Admiral Sir George E. Patey in command, arrived in port, and, under instructions from the Rear-Admiral, I attended on board the flagship and received operation orders (provisional) for the attack upon Samoa. In the afternoon 1 paid an official visit to His Excellency the Governor of New Caledonia. The troops were, with the permission of His Excellency, exercised on shore, and everywhere met with a most cordial reception. On the morning of the 22nd August, while the transports were moving out into the stream, Transport No. 2 drifted on to a sandbank, from which she was only refloated at 8.30 p.m., after her cargo had been lightered and the troops temporarily disembarked. On the 23rd August the allied fleets and transports sailed for Suva, Fiji, arriving at that port during the morning of the 26th August, on which date I accompanied the Rear-Admiral on an official visit to His Excellency the Governor of Fiji, later attending a conference on board H.M.A.S. " Australia." At the request of His Excellency the Governor of Fiji I enrolled one officer of the Fiji Constabulary as German Interpreter, and also four members of the Fiji Rifle Association and six members of the Legion of Frontiersmen as privates in the 3rd Auckland Regiment. There were also embarked one officer and nineteen men from H.M.S. " Sealark," one naval signaller Royal Naval Reserve, one nursing sister, and fourteen Natives of Samoa these latter to be dispersed throughout the islands in order to explain our intentions. lam much indebted to the Rev. Father Fox, of Suva, for bringing me into touch with the Samoans above referred to. On the 27th August the allied fleets and transports sailed from Suva, Fiji, in the afternoon, and arrived at Apia at daybreak on the 30th (Eastern time). In response to an ultimatum conveyed under a flag of truce from H.M.S. " Psyche," the Deputy Governor replied that although, in the temporary absence of His Excellency the Governor of Samoa, he would not accept the responsibility of surrendering, no opposition would be offered to the landing of the armed Forces. The troops were thereupon disombarked under cover of the guns of the allied fleets in manner previously detailed in orders ; the disembarkation was carried out without casualty. All Government buildings were immediately seized and Government officials and police placed under arrest. I established my headquarters at the Government Buildings at 4 p.m., received His Excellency the Governor of Samoa, and informed him that I regretted that 1 must place him under arrest. On this date I received from the European residents in Samoa the attached memorial [sub-enclosure I]. On the following day, the 31st August (Eastern time), at 8 a.m., the British flag was formally hoisted on the Government Buildings in the presence of the officers of the New Zealand Division Royal Navy, the troops, and the leading Native chiefs. At this ceremony I read a Proclamation, copies of which in English, German, and Samoan, I enclose herewith for Your Excellency's perusal [subenclosure 2]. I conferred with the Native chiefs, whose attitude towards us is extremely friendly, and I am informed from reliable sources that the vast majority of the Natives are in sympathy with the British occupation of Samoa. I also conferred with the German heads of department and their subordinates, and, as they have given their parole to do nothing inimical to British interests and to carry out their duties loyally, I have retained them, with two exceptions, in their respective offices at the same salaries as they were previously receiving.

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I am of opinion that the various departments are largely overstaffed, and should be reduced as opportunity occurs to do so with the minimum of friction. , His Excellency the Governor of Samoa. —After having, as already stated, informed*His < Excellency the Governor of Samoa that I placed him under arrest, I permitted him to return to under escort of an officer of my staff, in order to obtain such wearing-apparel and effects as he might require, and then caused him to be placed on board Transport No. 1 until the following morning, when he was again permitted to land under escort and attend further to his affairs, subsequently proceeding to Transport No. 2, in which ship he is now being conveyed to Suva, under escort of an officer of the sth Regiment. 1 ordered that both on Transport No. 1 and Transport No. 2 His Excellency should be treated as an honoured guest and accorded every consideration. Wireless. —I am informed by the Senior Naval Officer, New Zealand Division, that the wireless station at Apia could be heard tuning up after H.M.S. " Psyche " had sent in a flag of truce about 9.30 a.m., and only desisted on being ordered by the Rear-Admiral to do so. On my troops reaching the wireless station it was found that some essential parts of the engine which drives the dynamo had been removed and, that some of the aerials had been tampered with. The aerials were immediately repaired, and we have been capable of receiving messages since the 30th August, but we have been unable to repair the engine, or, up to the present, discover the missing parts. The engine which was brought by the Expeditionary Force has, however, to-day been installed, and I hope to-night to be able to obtain communication with Your Excellency either through. Suva or I'ago Pago. I enclose for Your Excellency's perusal a Proclamation (No. 2) [sub-enclosure 3| which deals with the above subject, and which. I deemed it necessary to issue. I should add that investigation disclosed the fact that preparations had been made for the destruction of the wireless station by dynamite. Section D Battery. —As explained later in this despatch, it became necessary to send Transport No. 2 to Suva with the least possible delay, and in the hurry of so doing a misunderstanding resulted in Transport No. 2 putting to sea while still having on board a section of D Battery, which had been brought to Apia in her. The two guns of this section had, however, been brought ashore, and part of the section of D Battery, which arrived in Transport No. I, will be quite able to serve these two guns. I keenly regret the temporary loss of the services of the section which arrived in Transport No. 2. I only became aware of the fact that these men were still on board after Transport No. 2 had proceeded some twenty miles to sea, and the necessities of the situation did not permit me at that stage to take steps to have Transport No. 2 recalled. Food Requirements. —lmmediately upon landing I was approached by the Hon. Mason Mitchell, United States Consul in Apia, who informed me that food was in short supply. lat once investigated the matter, and found that the Chinese indentured coolies, numbering about three thousand, had been on short rations since the outbreak of the war, and the European residents feared that they might rise unless the food in hand, which was barely sufficient to last ten days, was augmented. The European population was also suffering from shortage of supplies, as stocks held on the island are small, the merchants depending on the regular monthly service of the Union Steamship Company, which service has been suspended. The problem was, therefore, as to how to obtain a supply of food to reach Apia by about the sth September. 1 was able to procure 9,0001b. of flour from H.M. ships " Psyche " and " Philomel," and I had already purchased in Noumea and Suva 3 tons rice, 4 tons sugar, and 4,000 lb. biscuits to augment my own stores, so that this quantity of food was available, without infringing on what I had brought from New Zealand, to tide over the situation until outside supplies could be obtained. I ascertained from responsible citizens that the following are the monthly requirements of the islands : Rice, 80 tons ; sugar, 10 tons ; biscuits, 400 to 500 20 lb. tins ; coolie tea, 20 40 lb. cases ; dripping, 100 kerosene-tins ; flour, 50 tons ; hops, 400 lb. ; chaff, LOO sacks ; oats, 75 sacks ; bran, 200 sacks ; fowl-wheat, 20 bags ; butter (in tins), 1 ton of 5 lb. and 2 lb. tins ; benzene, 150 cases ; corned beef, 50 cases 1 lb. tins, 30 cases 2 lb. tins, 10 cases 3 lb. tins, 1.0 oases 4 lb. tins, .1.0 cases 5 lb. tins, 10 cases 6 lb. tins ; Rex soap, 50 cases ; Nestles milk, 15 cases ; salt, 10 sacks ; potatoes, 60 cases or sacks ; onions, 10 cases ; bacon 10 sides (rolled); brown wrapping-paper (butchers') £ ton. Of the above necessaries, rice, potatoes, and onions cannot be held in stock for more than two months, as they deteriorate rapidly in this climate. The following provisions had, prior to my arrival, been ordered from Sydney to come by the s.s. " Sonoma " (an American ship), due at Pago Pago on Friday next, the 4th instant: Rice, 80 tons ; flour, 10 to 20 tons ; sugar, 5 tons. I have made arrangements for these supplies to be brought over from Pago Pago in an American schooner, and if they are on board the " Sonoma " they should arrive here on the 6th instant. Considerable supplies are also expected by the " Ventura " (American) from San Francisco, arriving at Pago I'ago about the I4th instant. Before ascertaining that these supplies were on the way I had arranged with the Senior Naval Officer, New Zealand Division, to send here by Transport No. 2 one month's supplies from Fiji, if possible, and, in the event of supplies being unobtainable in Fiji, then that Transport No. 2 should be sent to Auckland to obtain them there, and to return at once. The flour obtained from the warships has been distributed amongst the local bakers, for the European population, at cost price, and a restriction has been placed on the price charged for bread. Prices have, since the war began, appreciated about 100 per cent., and I propose, with the provisions for which I am asking, to reduce this appreciation to 20 per cent., and I also propose to fix a scale of prices to be charged by retail stores which will give them a fair rate of profit on their turnover. This will continue until Government stores or supplies are discontinued and trade has returned to normal.

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I have also given orders that the planters must give a full ration to their Chinese labourers, and that if I am unable to supply the rice to enable them to do so they must supply the equivalent in native cereals or fruits. The Chinese, however, do not appreciate this alternative diet. Chinese. —The short ration has already caused trouble with the Chinese, and two days after my arrival I was compelled to send a platoon of Infantry and a hastily raised half-troop of Mounted Rifles to assist the Native police in the suppression, of a somewhat ugly rising of about 120 Chinese on a plantation some seven miles from here —a German planter having been surprised and surrounded in his house. I have found it necessary to allow the German planters to retain their arms for self-protection, considering it better that we should run some risk in this direction rather than that a European family should be placed at the mercy of the Chinese. 1 am convinced that on the food question depends the behaviour of the Chinese, who, in my opinion, are a menace to the European population unless very carefully handled. The Samoan Native chiefs have already approached me in reference to the danger of intermixture of Samoan and Chinese blood, and have asked whether some steps cannot be taken towards the repatriation of the Chinese. While I feel that the danger apprehended by the chiefs is a very real one, I have replied that the matter must stand over for consideration at a. later date. Troops of the Garrison. —With reference to the section of D Battery now on board Transport No. 2, if that vessel proceed, to New Zealand I have to ask that this section be ordered to rejoin its headquarters in Apia. With, regard to the escort on board Transport No. 2, I have to ask that these be discharged, in New Zealand, with the exception of Lieutenant D. A. Kenny, the Officer Commanding, who would rejoin his regiment here. I propose to return to New Zealand, as opportunity offers, all men who may prove medically unsuitable. I also propose to discharge;, when opportunity to return them to Fiji offers, those men of the 3rd Auckland Regiment who were attested in Samoa as already mentioned. I hope to be permitted to retain the remainder of the Force so long as German cruisers remain in the Pacific, but when these have been disposed of I see no reason why the garrison should remain at its present strength, as I anticipate no trouble whatever from the Samoan Natives. On the whole, the discipline of the troops has been good, and has improved considerably since the expedition started. Finance. —When making arrangements in Suva to take with us the Samoans already referred to I had to make arrangements for the support of their families during their absence. I arranged with tin; Suva branch of the Bank of New Zealand to pay £1 per week to the relatives of each of these men— the relatives being identified to the manager's satisfaction by Father Fox. To establish the necessary credit I drew on the Quartermaster-General, Wellington, for the sum of £100, which amount has been placed to my credit at the Bank of New Zealand, Suva, to cover the payments referred to. When f no longer require the services of these Samoans I will advise the manager, and the account will be closed by paying any balance in the hands of the Bank of New Zealand into the Public Account at Wellington. I have not yet had time to inquire into the financial position of Samoa, but, judging from the large number of State officials and the number of Natives said to be receiving Government pay, and taking into consideration the small exporting capacity of the island, I am of opinion that the government of Samoa must entail financial loss. At the eailiest possible moment I will go thoroughly into the question of revenue and expenditure, and I have to ask that a highly qualified official of the Audit Department be instructed to proceed to Samoa to go into the question. In the meantime, I have given orders that a balance-sheet to the date of our occupation be taken out by each department, and a fresh set of books opened from that point. Savaii. —I have appointed Mr. Williams to be Deputy Administrator of the Island of Savaii, and he left yesterday to take over his duties. Attached hereto is a copy of the letter of authority which I have handed to Mr. Williams [sub-enclosure 4]. Mr. Williams has been in the islands for over forty years, and from the inception of German rule in Samoa until the declaration of war acted in the capacity of Deputy Administrator of Savaii, under the German Government. On the declaration of war he was given the option of resigning his British citizenship or being relieved of his office, and he chose the latter alternative, although this entailed the loss of his pension. I shall take the earliest possible opportunity of personally visiting Savaii, and formally hoisting the British flag there. ***** I enclose herewith, for Your Excellency's perusal, a letter which I have received from the American Consul at Apia, which letter I have formally acknowledged. I have, &c, Robert Logan, Colonel, Administrator of Samoa. To His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., Governor of New Zealand.

Sub-enclosure I to Despatch No. I. Apia, Samoa, 29th August, 1914. We, the undersigned residents of Samoa, subjects of Great Britain, France, and Belgium, now at war with Germany and Austria, fully appreciate the kindness shown to us by Dr. Schultz and the German officials and residents in Samoa since the war was announced on the 4th instant, and hope that in the event of a change of flags His Excellency Dr. Schultz and the German residents will meet with the same consideration that we have received. (Signed by Thomas Trood and 92 others.)

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Sub-enclosure 2 to Despatch No. 1. Proclamation. 1. The New Zealand Government of His Britannic Majesty King George Fifth now occupy for His Majesty all the German territories situated in the islands of the Samoan Group. 2. All inhabitants of the occupied territories are commanded to submit to all such directions as may be given by any officer of the occupying Force. 3. Every inhabitant of the occupied territories is forbidden to assist or to communicate directly or indiiectly with the German Government or the German Forces, or to resist directly or indirectly the occupying Forces or any member thereof. 4. All public property of the German Government must be delivered forthwith by those responsible for its safety to the possession of the occupying Force. 5. Private property of individuals will only be taken if required for the purposes of the occupying Force, and if so taken will be paid for at a reasonable price at the termination of the war. 6. No person shall, except with the written permission of an authorized officer of the occupying Force, be out of doors on any night between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., nor change his or her present place of residence, nor use any boat or canoe. 7. All public meetings are prohibited. 8. No circular or newspaper or printed matter of any description shall be circulated, printed, ot issued without the written permission of an authorized officer of the occupying Force. 9. No spirituous or intoxicating liquor shall be manufactured or sold without the written permission of an authorized officer of the occupying Force, nor shall liquor be supplied to any Samoan Native. 10. All officials of the German Government who desire to continue to carry out their functions under the present military Government must report themselves forthwith to the Commander of the occupying Force, and such as may be retained in their employment will receive the same rate of remuneration as was received by them prior to the occupation. 11. All inhabitants having in their possession any motor-cars, horses, carts, or other means of transport must forthwith report the description of the same to the Provost-Marshal of the occupying Force. 12. All arms of every description, whether the property of the German Government or of private persons, must forthwith be delivered at the office of the Provost-Marshal of the occupying Force. 13. All persons who quietly submit to the administration of affairs by the occupying Force will be protected in their occupations, except in the case of such occupations as may be contrary to the best interests of the occupying Force. 14. All persons who in any manner resist the occupying Force or attempt by violence or otherwise to interfere with or overthrow the military Government now established for His Majesty King George Fifth, or who fail to obey the above-written or any subsequent commands of any officer of the occupying Force, will be punished according to the laws of war. Given at Apia, this twenty-ninth day of August,, in the year <:f Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fourteen. Robert Logan, Colonel, Commanding the Occupying Force God save the King.

Sub-enclosure 3 to Despatch No. 1. Proclamation No. 2. 1. Every person having possession of any machinery or material formerly used in or in connection with the wireless installation at Apia, or the railway leading thereto, is required to deliver the same immediately to the Provost-Marshal. 2. If the above requisition is not complied with before midnight on the second September, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen, all houses and grounds in Apia will be searched, and any person found to be harbouring any of the above-mentioned machinery or materials will be dealt with according to the laws of war, and will receive the extreme penalty. Given at Apia, this first day of September, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen. Robert Logan, Colonel, Administrator of Samoa. God save the King.

Sub-enclosure 4 to Despatch No. 1. Sir, — British Military Headquarters, Apia, Samoa, Ist September, 1914. I, as the Officer Commanding the British Force now in occupation of the German territories in the islands of the Samoan Group, hereby appoint you under myself to act as Deputy Administrator of the Island of Savaii. You are authorized to proceed to Savaii and to take delivery on my behalf of all the documents, funds, and other property of the German Government in that island, and to administer that island on behalf of the British military Government now established.

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I annex hereto a copy of the Proclamation, bearing date the 29th August, 1914, issued by me, which will serve to show you the policy of the military Administration which I have established. To this policy I desire you to conform as closely as the circumstances will permit. You will note that, subject to the special provisions of the above-mentioned Proclamation, and subject also to such further orders as I may give, the military Government will carry on the administration on the same lines, as nearly as possible, as it was carried on under the German Government, employing where convenient the same officials and the same police as were employed by the German Government. Hen* Pfeil, however, who has been administering the Island of Savaii on behalf of the German Government, is to deliver to you all such documents, funds, and other property of the German Governmen as are in his possession, and is then to return to Apia forthwith. A. letter from the Chief Justice of Samoa to Herr Pfeil on this subject is enclosed herewith, and should be handed by you to Herr Pfeil. Robert Logan, Colonel, To Richard Williams, Esq., Apia. Administrator of Samoa. Sub-enclosure 5 to Despatch No. 1. Sir, — American Consulate, Apia, Samoa, 31st August, 191.4. I have the honour to inform you, in reply to your instructions of the 30th instant that, representing Bis British Majesty's Government, you have established a British provisional Government in the islands of Opolu and Savaii, in the Samoan Group, in consequence thereof I respectfully resign the representation of British interests assumed hj me on Bth August, 1914, in accordance with instructions received from the Department of State of the United States of America. I have, &c, Administrator Colonel Logan, Apia, Samoa. Mason Mitchell, American Consul.

Enclosure 2 in No. 12. (Despatch No. 2.) Your Excellency,— Government House, Apia, Samoa, sth September, 1914. I am pleased to be able to inform Your Excellency that since the date of despatch No. f matteis in connection with the occupation of Samoa have progressed as smoothly as could be expected. The troops undei my command have now moved into two camps on sound ground conveniently situated for the defence of Apia, and measures have been taken for the safeguarding of the port. Wireless. —I accidentally omitted to state in despatch No. 1 that a light petrol railway, leading from the harbour to the wireless station, was found to be unworkable, owing to parts of the engine having been removed. lam glad to be able to state, however, that the engine has now been repaired, and in a very few days the engine should be again running right out to the wireless station, and already the railway has been of considerable service. The wireless installation is now working satisfactorily, and, as Your Excellency is aware, we aie now able to send messages. Out power to do so, however, is necessarily limited owing to our inability to use the engines propcilj belonging to the installation. Food-supplies. —H.M. Transport " Monowai " arrived from Suva this morning, and is now discharging some 30 tons of rice obtained at that port. This will, for the time at any rate, supply the want mentioned in my last despatch. Government House. —I have now, with my staff, taken up my residence at " Vailima," the late residence of Dr. Schultz. * * * * * Administration. —I find that most of the taxes had fallen due just prior to our arrival here, but owing to the present low price obtaining for copra the German authorities did not press for taxes, and little, if any, had been collected. I think it advisable that we should also allow some latitude before pressing for the payment of taxes. In my last despatch I reported to Your Excellency that all the late officials, except two, had been retained in their positions. T subsequently found, however, that most of these officials did not properly understand their position, since they believed themselves to be carrying on the administration of Samoa on behalf of Germany, and were continuing to use the German seal on documents used by them. I had dealt with tfiis point at my first meeting with these officials, and I thought that I had made myself clear. I have, howevei, since conferred with the leading officials, and have insisted on the attitude which, for greater clearness, I have to-day embodied in a memorandum handed by me to the officials, a copy of which memorandum I attach hereto for Your Excellency's perusal [sub-enclosure I]. The officials are to consider the matter and will then let me know as to whether they are prepared to continue in. their offices. I think it possible that most of the officials will decide to remain in office, but it appears to be not unlikely that the judicial officers will decline to continue to carry out their functions. A careful inquiry is being made into the administration of the various departments and into the functions of the various officials, but this is now delayed pending the reply of the officials to the memorandum above referred to.

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Expeditions. —Since my last despatch a troop of Mounted Rifles was despatched to Falealeli, being away from Apia for three days and returning with Herr Osbahr, the local Administrator of South Upolu. I have conferred with Herr Osbahr, and have decided to retain him in office, and he has to-day returned to his district. I have made Herr Osbahr fully understand the point, already referred to, which was raised by the other officials. A patrol has visited Safatu. Troops. —H.M. Transport " Monowai," which is due to leave Apia to-morrow morning, will, carry with her about seventy-five of all ranks. Embarkation states for these officers and men will be forwarded to headquarters. This number includes all the men (with one exception) who were enlisted at Fiji in the 3rd (Auckland) Regiment. These should be returned to Fiji and discharged there, In H.M. Transport " Monowai " there returned to Apia the fifty officers and men of D Battery, and also Lieutenant Kenny, of the sth (Wellington) Regiment. These details have now been disembarked. * I have, &c, Robert Logan, Colonel, Administrator of Samoa. To His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., Governor of New Zealand.

Sub-enclosure 1 in Despatch No. 2. British Military Occupation of Samoa. Memorandum, re the Attitude adopted towards Officials formerly employed by the German Government in Samoa. Article 43 of the Hague Regulations requires that the occupying Force shall secure public order and safety in the occupied territory, and it is obvious that from this requirement the necessity arises of appointing officials to carry on the administration of the territory and to preside in the Courts. It is, of course, quite open to the occupying Force to appoint a completely new set of officials for this purpose. Article 43 of the Hague Regulations was, however, framed with a view to preventing the occupied territory from falling into a condition of chaos, and in order to carry out the intention of Article 43 it has been the custom in past wars for the occupying Force to invite most of the existing officials in the occupied territory to remain in office under the new regime. If the officials agree to remain in office they become, of course, servants of the occupying Force. This would at first sight seem to involve a certain amount of disloyalty on the part of the officials, in that they serve the enemy of their own State, but since Article 43 was framed not for the benefit of the occupying Force, but for the benefit of the occupied territory, it has been long considered to be not only no wrong, but even a duty on the part of the officials to assist the occupying Force in carrying out the intentions of Article 43. The fact that the officials may be employed for this purpose does not, however, imply that the government of the occupied territory is being carried on in the name of, or on behalf of, the State against which it is occupied. The occupying Force is the Government of the occupied territory during the period of the occupation, and it is inconceivable that any occupying Force would depart from the principle laid down by the Prussians in 1870 —namely, that in occupied territory no official documents are to be issued which purport to be under the authority of the State against which the territory is occupied. The British military Government now established in Samoa desires to carry out the intentions of Article 43 of the Hague Regulations, and with that end in view desires to retain the services of the officials, since to change the officials at this stage must necessarily result in considerable loss and inconvenience to the inhabitants of Samoa. The officials are therefore invited to retain their positions at their former salaries, it being understood that these positions are held under the British military Government and not under Germany. All official documents are to be issued " in the name of the law." The British military Government does not insist that official documents shall be issued in the name of King George V, but it cannot permit that such documents should be issued in the name of the Kaiser or of the German Government. It is hoped that the officials will, on this understanding, assist the British military Government to carry out its obligations under the Hague Regulations; but if the officials cannot see their way to do so, then the British military Government must endeavour to carry out its obligations by appointing its own officials, although this course, as already pointed out, must necessarily entail a considerable amount of hardship and inconvenience to the inhabitants of Samoa. Robert Logan, Colonel, Government House, Apia, Samoa. Administrator of Samoa.

No. 13. Extract from a Report to the Admiralty by the Vice-Admiral Commanding Hts Majesty's Australian Fleet. Dated 23rd October, 1914. (Received in Colonial Office, 26th December, 1914.) At Suva Colonel Logan embarked fifteen prominent Samoans. These were representatives of each important village on both islands belonging to the Germans. They were landed at Apia on the disembarkation of the expedition, and dispersed immediately to distribute the intelligence to the Samoans as to our intentions.

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By my direction the detailed orders for the disembarkation were drawn up by Captain H. J. T. Marshall, of H.M.S. " Psyche." I reviewed and approved of these orders on 26th August, and a meeting of officers to discuss the procedure was held on board " Australia " during the same day. The expedition sailed from Suva at 9 a.m. on 27th August. On 28th August, owing to strong east wind and head sea, I had to reduce speed from 11 to 9 knots. The "Psyche," "Philomel," and " Pyramus" were experiencing difficulty in steaming against the head sea, and the transport " Monowai " had been gradually dropping astern. At the reduced speed, however, she was able to resume her proper station. The weather improved towards the evening and maintained its improvement the next day, and I was able gradually to increase speed again to 111 knots by 1 p.m. on 29th. August. I had hoped to have arrived at daylight on 30th August; (Eastern time), but owing to the weather I did not arrive off Apia until 7.45 a.m. on that day. The " Psyche " approached the harbour flying a flag of truce, and sent in her boat with my letter to the Governor demanding his surrender to me of the Town of Apia and the dependencies under his control. The estimates of German residents and armed police varied from four hundred to one thousand, and it had been represented to me, both at Noumea and Suva, that it was probable that the harbour was mined. With the force under my command there was no need to take any unnecessary risks, and the picket boats of "Australia" fitted for sweeping were sent to "Psyche"; and on the flag of truce being hauled down, the channel was swept under the supervision of Lieutenant-Commander John M. Jackson, of H.M.S. " Sealark." This officer had volunteered to accompany the expedition for this purpose. He is experienced at this work, and his services were accepted. The Governor was reported to be absent from Apia. The same thing was noticed when I tried to get into communication with the Governor of Herbertshohe on 12th August. It may be only a coincidence. My letter was delivered to the Acting-Governor, and the substance of his reply is given in enclosure 2. The disembarkation was arranged to take place almost opposite the British Consulate. It would have been easy for a body of determined men to make the operation very unpleasant; I therefore had every reason to inform him of what the consequences would be in the event of such opposition. It will be observed that my instructions to the ships inshore were not to fire more than absolutely necessary to overcome such opposition. With regard to the wireless station—it was observed at Herbertshohe that, as soon as the ships were sighted, urgent calls were sent out. Exactly the same procedure was followed at Apia, and I therefore sent a wireless signal in English, " Cease signalling instantly," which had the desired effect, and the only signal made was " 5.G.," repeated four times very rapidly. Such high-power stations cannot be ignored, but must be regarded as primarily intended for hostile purposes, and therefore come under Convention IX, Chapter I, Article 11, of Second Hague Conference. About 10.15 a.m. the Acting-Governor gave an assurance that resistance would not be offered, and stated verbally that no mines had been laid in the harbour. The assurance was passed by signal from " Psyche," but the channel into the harbour was already being swept by " Australia's " picket boats. No mines were found, but it was observed that one of the leading-marks of the channel had been removed. ' " Psyche " and transports entered the harbour about I 1.30 a.m., and the disembarkation began. The Union Jack was hoisted on shore at 1.0 p.m., and the flag over the Governor's residence hauled down at 1.30 p.m. All the troops were landed without mishap by 2.35 p.m. Suitable lighters were obtained from the shore, the stores and guns were landed expeditiously, the transports being finally cleared by noon on 31st August (Eastern time). The organization for the disembarkation, and the manner in which the operation was carried out, reflected great credit on Captain H. J. T. Marshall, of H.M.S. " Psyche," and those under his orders. During the afternoon of 30th August the American Consul, representing British and French interests, called on. " Psyche." He also came at the request of the late Lieutenant-Governor of Samoa. At 2.0 p.m. Colonel Logan landed with the American Consul to visit the late Lieutenant-Governor and take over control. During the night of 30th -31st August the " Australia," " Montcalm," and " Melbourne " stood out to sea, returning in the morning of the latter day. At 8.0 a.m. on 31st August (Eastern time) the Union Jack was hoisted over the Courthouse, and " Psyche " fired a salute of twenty-one guns. No enemy ships were at Apia, nor had there been any there recently. The last one was believed to be the " Cormoran," in May, 1913. It is certain that none have been there during 1914. There were 1,500 tons of Westport coal at Apia, the property of Samsen and Company. This coal arrived by a Norwegian barque about three weeks previously. The expedition having been established, and all stores, &c, landed, I left Apia at noon on 31st August.

Enclosure 1 in No. 13. Letter to His Excellency the Governor, the Imperial Station, Apia. Your Excellency,— H.B.M. Australian Ship "Australia," off Apia, .30th August, 1914. I have the honour to inform you that I am off the port of Apia with an overwhelming force, and in order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed I will not open fire if you surrender immediately.

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2. I therefore summon you to surrender to me forthwith the Town of Apia, .and the Imperial possessions under your control. 3. An answer must be delivered within hall an hour to the bearer. 4. Wireless communications are to cease instantly or fire will be, opened on the station. 5. If no answer is received to this letter, or if the answer is in the negative, the cruisers have orders to cover the landing-parties with their guns: I have, &C, George E.. Patey, Rear-Admiral Commanding Ships and Vessels of the Allied, Fleets. His Excellency the Governor, the Imperial Station, Apia.

Enclosure 2 in. No. 13. Translation of Letter from Acting Governor of Samoa. Your Excellency,— 30th August, 191.4. I have the honour to reply as follows, on behalf of the Imperial Governor : — According to the principles of the rights of nations, especially the agreements of the Second Hague Peace Conference, the bombardment of our (said ? ) harbours and protectorates is forbidden, also the threat to do so. I therefore respectfully protest against Your Excellency's proposal. For the rest, to avoid the military measures which you propose, I have given orders for the wireless-telegraph station to be packed up, and that no resistance is to be offered. I leave it to Your Excellency to take possession of the Protectorate of Samoa, and respectfully remark that the responsibility for the life and property of the European population must rest with you. I have, &c, S. N. Rimburg, Acting-Governor. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief ot the Allied Fleets.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (750 copies), £1.

TSy Authority : John Mai'kay, Government Printer, Wellington.-—1915.

Price 6d.]

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1915-I.2.3.2.25

Bibliographic details

EUROPEAN WAR: OCCUPATION OF GERMAN SAMOA BY AN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE)., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1915 Session I, H-19c

Word Count
8,381

EUROPEAN WAR: OCCUPATION OF GERMAN SAMOA BY AN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1915 Session I, H-19c

EUROPEAN WAR: OCCUPATION OF GERMAN SAMOA BY AN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1915 Session I, H-19c