§ SIR T. ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is true, as reported in Reuter's telegrams, that Malietoa made war upon Mataafa last month at Samoa, whereupon the foreign warships then intervened and stopped the fighting, and that Mataafa and his chiefs surrendered; if he can state whether Mataafa and his chiefs are prisoners; and, if so, in whoso custody; what is going to be done with them; and whether the English Government will take the necessary steps to secure their personal safety?
§ * SIR E. GREYThe statement made in the first paragraph is correct. According to the latest information received Mataafa and his chiefs were on board H.M.S. Katoomba, and their personal safety is therefore assured. The ultimate decision with regard to them will be the subject of consultation between the three Treaty Powers.