29

A. —"4d

No. 69. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Samoa. Colonial Office allows me to say privately with German negotiation endeavour make proposal Bismarck. Please instruct your views. London, 28th March, 1885. Bell.

No. 70. The Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Oue views—Get Samoa annexed. 30th March, 1885. Eobeet Stout.

No. 71. The Peemiee to the Agent-Genebal. Sic,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 31st March, 1885. After my letter of 19th March re Samoa had been posted, I had the honour to receive No. 63. your telegram respecting negotiations with the representative of Germany and a reply was sent to No. 70. you as soon as the whole matter had been considered by the Cabinet. 2. If you should be unable to secure that effect shall be given to our wish, as stated in that reply, namely, that Samoa shall be annexed by Great Britain, we think it will be impossible to arrive at any satisfactory arrangement with Germany in London. 3. A satisfactory convention can only be drawn up on the spot, in Samoa, because, in order to prepare it, those; charged with the duty would have to make themselves acquainted with the real nature of the German, British, and American interests at stake. There are also large claims to land in the group, made by several persons. These claims will, in the not distant future, cause considerable trouble, and it is of great importance that what they are should be clearly understood. 4. We think, therefore, that, failing annexation, you might be able to induce the Colonial Office and the representatives of Germany to agree to a new convention or treaty being framed as between the King of Samoa and the three nationalities at present interested in the islands. The terms of such an agreement might be settled by the British Consul, the German Consul (M. Weber), the Consular Agent for the United States, and some representative of New Zealand. Of course ratification by the Imperial authorities of Great Britain and Germany, and by the President of the United States, would be necessary. It seems to us, however, that this would be the only way in which any fair arrangement could be arrived at, as there are circumstances and interests involved which cannot be defined, or perhaps understood, except by persons empowered to inquire on the spot. 5. I have not thought it necessary to telegraph to you on this matter at present, as it might geem, if we demanded the right to endeavour to make such a convention as I have indicated, that we were opposed to your entering into negatiations. We wait, therefore, to learn how you succeed, and what counter-proposals the German Government may make, and probably, on receipt of such information, we may telegraph to you shortly the purport of this letter. 6. I may again remind you of the attitude assumed by Germany as shown by the recent White Book respecting the Pacific with regard to the Tongan group ; and I must urge you, in any negotiations in which you may- take part, not to allow it to be possibly understood that that group is not to remain internationalized. This is of immense importance to New Zealand. 7. I am replying to the letter from King Malietoa, by informing him that negotiations are taking place between the German and British Governments, and that the results shall be communicated to him. I am adding that, so far as we can assist him in his efforts to obtain the annexation of Samoa to Great Britain, he may be assured of our constant and hearty support. Sir F. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., I have, &c, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Eobeet Stout.

No. 72. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the King of Samoa. Sice, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 2nd April, 1885. I had very great pleasure in receiving the letter dated 10th February* which your Majesty did me the honour to write, and which was brought to New Zealand by Mr. John Lundon. 2. I am not able to take any steps to give effect to the Act passed by the Parliament of Samoa for the annexation of the group to New Zealand (a copy of which Act I also received through Mr. Lundon), because negotiations are going on between Great Britain and Germany. The end of these negotiations must be waited for, and I will inform your Majesty as soon as I can what has been done. 3. We agree with you in wishing for annexation by Great Britain. Supposing, however, that that should not be secured, I do not doubt but that your Majesty's authority will be maintained and Samoa continue an independent State; but I still hope that the prayer of the petition from your Majesty and your people to Her Majesty Queen Victoria may be favourably considered, and your Majesty may rest assured that your efforts to obtain annexation to Great Britain will receive our constant and hearty support. I have, &c, Egbert Stout, To Malietoa, King of Samoa. Premier.

* Appendix XIII. to the letter from the Premier to the Agent-General, 19th March, 1885, No. 63.