A.—3

10

consuls, which has been increased by the fact that the United States Consul is a naturalized German. The reported seizure by the Germans is considered to be the sequel to King Malietoa's refusal to concede the German demand for a coaling-station at the time when he ceded Pagopago to the United States.

No. 29. ; The Premier, Victoria, to the Premier, New Zealand. Have you any official or other certain knowledge respecting recent German action in Samoa ? Think of asking Federal Council next week to address the Queen on the subject, under section 29 of Imperial Enabling Act, which, in caso you have no copy, runs as follows—namely: "The Council may make such representations or recommendations to Her Majesty as it may think fit with respect to any matters of general Australasian interest or to the relations of Her Majesty's possessions in Australasia with the possessions of foreign Powers." 17th January, 1886. __________ mm _____ James Service.

No. 30. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. Thanks for inquiry. We have certain knowledge of what Germans have done. Two Samoan chiefs have come asking us for aid. The German Consul, aided by man-of-war, has driven King from land occupied by him, notwithstanding protests of British and American Consuls. But for. the intervention of these consuls bloodshed was inevitable. This action is in violation of treaties and conventions, and looks like the first step of annexation. We have wired Home Government, who reply that they have Berlin assurances nothing intended. But the German flag still flies in violation of understanding; and it looks as if very little assurance satisfied British Foreign Office. We will be glad of your colony's powerful aid to maintain British interests in Pacific. 18th January, 1886. _^_™_____™___«___ Robert Stout.

No. 31. The Premier to the Agent-General. Two Samoan chiefs here waiting decision Imperial Government. German flag still flying Apia. Reason German Government no information recent outrage, German despatches left early 31st December, and outrage evening same day. Chiefs came by schooner leaving day later. Chiefs exceedingly anxious English protection and annexation. Imperial Government might buy out German Company ; but their claims exorbitant, and some independent Commission—say, American— would have to examine them. Writing you fully. English man-of-war, with some capable person to act, should be sent. 21st January, 1886. __™_____»__™_______ Eobert Stout.

No. 32. The Agent-General to the Premier. Governor's telegrams, yours to-day. Nothing will be done except that neither Germany nor England will annex now that America intervenes. Eaiatea is given to France. 21st January, 1886. F. D. Bell.

No. 33. The Premier to the Agent-General. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 22nd January, 1886. Since I had the honour to address you on the 27th November last regarding Samoa, events of great importance have transpired, of which a short account has been wired to you and to the Colonial Office. I think it better, however, in order that you may be fully informed of the facts, to enter at some length into the position of affairs in Samoa. 2, I do not need to rehearse to you what was done by the German Consul and German man-of-war last year. You are aware that a new treaty or convention was forced upon the King, against which he protested both to the Emperor of Germany and to the Queen. You are also aware that the German flag was hoisted at Apia, and that the authorities at Berlin disavowed this act of their Consul, whilst they affirmed their right to have the new convention or treaty made with the King. We were informed that this act of hoisting the flag had not only been disavowed, but that the flag would be taken down. The fact is, however, that, whatever may be said at Berlin, in Samoa it is believed that the act of the Consul has been approved ; and in proof of this the fact remains that the German flag still flies at Apia. 3. I must now give you a slight history of how the new complication has arisen to which reference has been made by wire. I enclose for your perusal copy of a letter addressed to His Excellency the Governor by the two Samoan chiefs Tuiletufuga Upalu and Seu Manutafa, who have been specially sent to New Zealand by the King and Government, asking for New Zealand or British aid. This letter will give you the ideas and explanations of the Samoan Government; but I prefer to go further back in the history of the transaction. About two or more years ago there was a piece of l an d—a peninsula —called Mulinuu, which was lookefl upon as important in Samoan eyes. It was believed that the persons who had possession of this land were entitled to rule over Samoa.