A.—4b

27

injustice practised on the Australian people by the Government, in allowing Germany to hoist her flag over portions of New Guinea to which Queensland had made previous claims. Samoa. Mr. Goest asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he could contradict a statement which appeared in some of the papers that morning that the Germans had hoisted their flag in the Island of Samoa. . Lord B. Fitzmaueicb. —No such information has reached the Foreign Office.

Enclosure 2. [The Standard, 20th March, 1885.] Geeman Colonial Policy. (From our Correspondent.) Berlin, Thursday night. The news that a Hamburg merchant had purchased extensive territories at Lagos is believed to be true, but it is not believed that the German flag has been hoisted there, as that would be contrary to the recent Anglo-German understanding regarding the Cameroons territory. A letter from an officer of the German ship " Albatross " has been received confirming the news that Germany had, as a precaution, seized that portion of the Samoa Islands known as " municipal territory," because King Malietoa, in spite of repeated demands, had not carried out the obligations he had entered into towards Germany. The German flag had been hoisted on the 23rd January and was still floating when the letter was despatched, a week later. There is a probability of an early outbreak of civil war on the islands, as King Malietoa has a powerful adversary in the chief of the island of Sawai, who, it is thought, may overthrow him. [The Daily News, 20tix March, 1885.] Geemany and the Samoan Islands. (From our Correspondent.) Berlin, Thursday night. Advices from the Samoan Islands down to the 3rd February received here give details regarding the recent hoisting of the German flag at Apia. On the 23rd of January a detachment of sailors landed from the German cruiser " Albatross " and took possession of what is called " municipal territory," on which a flagstaff was erected and the flag hoisted. A small stockade surrounded by a ditch was also built, which is still held by a guard. It is stated that the refusal of Malietoa, the King of Samoa, to fulfil certain engagements entered into three years ago with the German Consul is the reason for this act, which has been notified to the British and American Consuls. It is not believed here that the German Government will indorse the German commander's action.

No. 66. Mr. John Lundon to the Peemiee. g IB Onehunga, 25th March, 1885. I herewith send you the copies of letters and declaration as mentioned in my letter of the 16th instant (Appendix XI. to letter from Premier to Agent-General, 19th March, 1885)— namely, one to Sir George Grey from King Malietoa, dated the 10th February (A.-l, No. 50), also one to myself on the same date; of one to me dated the 16th February, and of the one written to Sir George Grey and myself jointly, dated the 17th February, the last copy being that of the declaration of the two interpreters. _ I beg again to remind you that the mail leaves here for Samoa on Tuesday next at one o clock, and that, by your taking immediate action regarding those letters, it may be the saving of many lives, and may, I believe, stop rebellion. I have, &c, The Hon. Robert Stout, Premier. John Lundon.

Enclosure 1. [See Despatch No. 50, from Governor to Secretary of State, A.-l, 1885.]

Enclosure 2. The King of Samoa to Mr. John Lundon. g IB Apia, Samoa, 10th February, 1885. You are aware of the action that I and my Government have taken lately with reference to the annexation of Samoa to New Zealand, and that by your desire my Government has passed a Bill for that purpose. I and my people are intrusting the members of the deputation to your care until they return to Samoa. We all desire that you will act and give your advice in connection with our Bill, as you know all our difficulties and troubles here with M. Weber and the large German firm ; as my people and Government have great confidence in you, and we feel sure that you will leave nothing undone that can be done to annex Samoa to New Zealand and to extricate us from our German enemies; and I and my people will pray for your success and a long stay amongst us. Your friend, Malietoa, Mr, John Lundon, Samoa, King of Samoa,