15
A.—4d
of Samoa; and, in reply, lam to state to you, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, that Lord Granville proposes to delay any further action in the matter until a reply has been received to the note which Her Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin was instructed to address to the German Government on the 13th instant, in which reference was made to the reliance placed by Her Majesty's Government in the assurances exchanged between the two Governments with regard to the independence of Samoa and Tonga. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. V. Listee.
No. 46. Count Munstee to Earl Gbanville. (Translation.) German Embassy, 28th January, 1885. The note which the Eoyal British Ambassador at Berlin addressed on the 17th instant to the Imperial Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with regard to New Guinea, concludes with the information that the Eoyal British Government have recently received reports concerning the conclusion of a treaty between the representatives of Germany and the King of Samoa, and presupposes that this treaty will not be ratified so far as the stipulations do not harmonize with the explanations previously exchanged between Germany and England with regard to the maintenance of the independence of Samoa. The undersigned is directed to reply in a separate note upon this point, which is not in direct connection with the New Guinea question, and has accordingly the honour, by command of his Government, to give the following information to His Excellency Earl Granville. The Government of His Majesty the Emperor presumes that the present communication from the Eoyal British Government with regard to the conclusion of a German- Samoan treaty refers to the agreement which was signed in execution of Article VII. of the German-Samoan Treaty of Friendship of the 24th January, 1879, on the 10th November last, at Apia, between the Imperial representative in Samoa, Consul-General Dr. Stuebel, and the Government of that country. While the undersigned has the honour of inclosing, for the information of Her Majesty's Government, the annexed German translation of this agreement,* he expresses the hope of his Government that the Eoyal British Government will be convinced that the points agreed upon are within the limits of the German treaty with Samoa, and encroach neither on the independence of this group of islands nor on the rights acquired there by other nations. The advantages of greater legal security and of an improved penal administration in Samoa, the institution of which is the object of the above agreement, will benefit likewise the settlers who belong to the other treaty Powers, while the Germans interested will alone be liable, under Article VII., for the cost of the arrangements agreed upon. The Imperial Government has the intention of ratifying this agreement, subject to a closer examination of details, taking care that its stipulations shall also be strictly observed on the part of the Samoanese. They count on their exertions to bring about a condition of order in these islands not being thwarted from other quarters. The undersigned is instructed, with reference to this subject, to revert to the petitions which were addressed on the sth November of last year by the kings and chiefs of Samoa to Her Majesty the Queen of England, and to the Governor and Ministers of the Colony of New Zealand. The text of these petitions is now in the possession of the Imperial Government, and confirms the supposition which had been expressed some time previously, that they were drawn up by English subjects, and signed unrter the influence of the deception that Germany was contemplating an act of violence against the independence of Samoa. It appears, moreover, that the King of Samoa, at the commencement of last year, had already, by means of a similar petition, secretly offered the sovereignty over his country to the Eoyal British Government. The absence at the time of any disapproval of the conduct of those who had induced the King to take this step has clearly contributed to encourage further attempts in this direction. The Imperial Government expect with confidence that the instructions now contemplated by the Eoyal British Government will also have the result of putting an end to the agitation for the same object which is instigated from New Zealand. The undersigned avails, himself, &c. Munstee.
No. 47. The Agent-Genebal to the Peemieb. I think Germany trying get Samoa exchange relinquish her claim Guinea. Strongly advise your obtaining consent of all colonies against such bargain. 4th February, 1885. F. D. Bell.
No. 48. The Pbemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Peotest emphatically exchange Samoa New Guinea. 6th February, 1885. Eobeet Stout.
* See Appendix 111. to letter of the Premier to the Agent-General, 19th March, 1885, No. 63.