A.—4d

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

CONFEDERATION AND ANNEXATION. (PAPERS RELAIING TO THE ISLANDS OF SAMOA AND TONGA.)

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

No. 1. The Pbemieb to the Agent-Genebal. Tby arrange New Zealand may have option annexing or confederating Samoa under Bill last year. 22nd October, 1884, Eobebt Stout.

No. 2. The Agent-Genebal to the Pbemiee. Samoa, could represent privately, but official inevitably entail refusal. Any how, Colonial Office do absolutely nothing until Sydney decides Convention. 22nd October, 1884. " F. D. Bell.

No. 3. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jebvois, G.C.M.G., C.8., to the Secbetaby of State. 19th November, 1884. With regard to the negotiations about Pacific Islands with France and Germany'my Ministers hope you may be able to secure Samoa and Tonga to New Zealand. They undertake to propose next year to Parliament that the cost should be guaranteed.

No. 4. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. g IB Foreign Office, 4th December, 1884. I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith, to be laid before the Earl of Derby, copies of correspondence, as marked in the margin, with Her Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin, having reference to the question of the independence of Samoa and Tonga. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. J- Pauncefote.

Enclosure 1. Sir E. Malet to Earl Gbanville.—(Beceived by Telegraph, Ist December.) My Lobd Berlin, Ist December, 1884. I have the honour to report that Prince Bismarck told me to-day, in the course of conversation, that he had received a telegram from the German Consul at Samoa to the effect that the King was endeavouring to obtain for that island British protectorate. The Chancellor said that this step would create a very bad effect in this country, as the Germans had for some years past been interested in the island, and the Beichstag had already had before it for consideration the question of a subsidy to a Hamburg house trading with Samoa. The Prince added that he trusted that I should be able to give him an assurance that Her Majesty's Government had no intention of annexing the island. I am informed by Mr. Meade that there are apprehensions in New Zealand that the Imperial German Government may, sooner or later, annex both Samoa and Tonga. Will your Lordship authorize me to state to Prince Bismarck that Her Majesty's Government will give positive assurances that the independence of both places will be respected by them, provided that reciprocal assurances are made to the Queen's Government by that of His Majesty the Emperor? Ihave.&c, Edwabd B. Malet. I—A. 4d.