§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Treaty between the United States and Samoa, conceding to the former Power the conclusive control of the Harbour of Pago Pago in time of war, is still in force; and, in such case, if any period has been fixed for its termination; whether representations have been from time to time addressed to Her Majesty's Government by Australasian Ministers, directing earnest attention to the deprivation thereby to British ships of a suitable harbour and coaling station in Mid Pacific, and in the direct ocean track between Australasia and Vancouver, and 552 Australasia and Panama; and, what steps have been taken in the matter?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)There is a Treaty between the United States and Samoa of January 17, 1878, which provides that the United States may establish a Naval Station in the Harbour of Pago Pago; but it does not give to the United States exclusive control over other parts of the harbour. So far as Her Majesty's Government are aware the Treaty is still in force. As far as I have been able to ascertain at present, no such representations as are indicated in the second Question have been made.