MR. A.M'ARTHUR (Leicester)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for 1673 Foreign Affairs a Question of which I have given him private Notice. It is, whether any confirmation has been received of the telegraphic news published this morning that the Germans have occupied Samoa?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)A telegram, which I am sorry I have not got with me, has been received stating that, in consequence of complaints which the German Government had against the so-called King Malietoa, a force had been landed and he had been deposed. The British and United States Consuls had protested. I should add that the rival Chief has been recognized by the Germans as King of Samoa.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)Is it not a fact that, practically speaking, owing to the German Colonists in Samoa having been attacked by one King, the Germans have set up a rival King, and that the English Consul has actually stated to the people of the Island that the English Government will resist this German aggression, and will re-instate the former King?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONI must ask the hon. Member to give Notice of the Question; but I must not be understood to admit the truth of anything he has said.