§ MR. BAXTERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If a Petition has been sent to Her Majesty's Government from the Samoa Islands, praying for British protectorate, and for the appointment of a Political Resident in the Group?
§ MR. BOURKENo such Petition has been received at the Foreign Office. Her Majesty's Consul at Samoa has reported by telegraph, that on account of disturbances and great risk to life and property of British subjects, he would, should it become necessary, take the responsibility of granting British protection to Samoa temporarily while awaiting orders from home. It has been decided to defer sending instructions on the matter till Despatches have been received from Consul Liardet and Sir Arthur 1169 Gordon. We are not at present aware of the reasons which led the Consul to take the decision which he has announced. As at present advised, Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to assume any direct responsibility with respect to administration of affairs in Samoa.