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A.—4d

No. 22. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jeevois, G.C.M.G., C.8., New Zealand, to the Eight Hon. the Secbetaby of State for the Colonies. 6th January, 1885. Eefebbing to your telegram 3rd January, Colonial Secretary will not be sent to Samoa. Intelligence received from Samoa a few days ago that two German war vessels arrived there, and, learning King and chiefs had petitioned Her Majesty for annexation, officers made treaty with King for five years. King states he was forced. Chiefs not consulted. Chiefs and people repudiate treaty, and Samoan Parliament declined ratify. Treaty gives whole authority government to Germany, German representative. Premier, Consuls not consulted. New Zealand large interests in Samoa. My Ministers consider if Germany keeps New Guinea and adjacent islands, Samoa and Tonga should become British. They hope compact with France about New Hebrides will be maintained.

No. 18,

No. 23. The Agent-Genebal to the Pbemieb. Samoa. Colonial Office knows nothing about treaty. Your orders respecting Hebrides noted. 6th January, 1885. F. D. Bell.

No. 24. The Peemieb to the Agent-Genebal. Ask Colonial Office show Governor's telegrams about Samoa. 6th January, 1885. Eobeet Stout.

No. 25. The Peemieb, New Zealand, to the Peemieb, Victoria. Teeaty made by King and Vice-King Samoa and German Consul secretly. Chiefs and people repudiate King's action. Treaty provides for German Samoan State Council consisting of German Consul, two Samoans, two Germans appointed by German Consul. Council has great powers. Can legislate. King is to appoint, in concert with German Consul, his secretary and adviser, who is to have functions of German Judge. We feel Colonial Office acting most supinely. Derby wires first he is considering petition for annexation ; a few days afterwards wires assurances exchanged with Germany. Samoa is to be independent, and prohibits our steamer visiting islands. Now, we hear this secret treaty, made 10th November last, unknown to him. Will you urge your AgentGeneral to assist ours in Samoan matter re New Hebrides. From confidential letter from Bell we learned he and Murray-Smith had, on their own individual responsibility, suggested to Derby giving New Hebrides to France if no convicts sent to New Caledonia. Hopo you will give orders to him to withdraw at once such a suggestion. 7th January, 1885. Eobebt Stout.

No. 26. The Peemieb, Victoria, to the Pbemieb, New Zealand. Astonished at your telegram. We think statement re Hebrides cannot possibly be correct, because Murray-Smith has positive instructions to the contrary. We have wired Murray-Smith as follows: " Informed by New Zealand Government German secret treaty Samoan King, provisions of which throw those islands entirely German hands. Derby meantime wire assurances exchanged with Germany for independence of Samoa. Is this considering and exchanging to continue till every island mopped up ? Join Bell protesting strongest manner re Hebrides. Bell writes Zealand he and you have suggested to Derby giving Hebrides France condition no convicts sent Pacific. I have assured Zealand you could not possibly have done so. See my letter of sth May last, number 1066." James Sbevice, 7th January, 1885. __^^_^^__________ Premier.

No. 27. The Agent-Geneeal to the Pbemiee. Samoa. Was aware Governor's messages, and therefore thought best not interpose except unofficial. Please instruct whether you wish me send in any letters now. My opinion is, utterly useless. Colonial Office to-day confirms views forced treaty, but seems rely upon German assurances as wired to Governor. Also relies Hebrides agreement observed. Bth January, 1885. F. D. Bell.

No. 28. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sic, —■ Foreign Office, Bth January, 1885. I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith, to be laid before the Earl of Derby, copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin reporting that he has asked the German Minister for Foreign Affairs to inform Prince Bismarck that the Secretary of State for 2—A. 4d.