§ SIR T. ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the 1691 causes which have led to the approaching conflict between Mataafa and Malietoa at Samoa; and whether the Commander of the English warship ordered to Apia has received instructions to support the latter in the event of an outbreak of hostilities between the two Chiefs?
§ SIR G. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)I beg also to ask the hon. Gentleman whether Her Majesty's Government have received definite information as to a threatened stoppage of trade and industry in the Samoan group Islands due to political troubles; and whether they have now come to any decision, in concert with the other Powers interested, to revise the existing arrangements, with a view to securing peace and good government for these Islands?
§ SIR E. GREYIn a letter dated May 20 King Malietoa informed Her Majesty's Consul at Apia that the Samoan Government had decided to take steps against Mataafa and his followers, who were in open rebellion at Malié. It was at the same time explained that they had hitherto hesitated to do so for fear of boodshed, and in the hope of assistance from the Powers, but that Mataafa's example might be contagious, and that efficient government was impossible as long as he was allowed to maintain his present position undisturbed. As was stated on the 11th instant, a British man-of-war has been ordered to Samoa, and her Commanding Officer has been instructed to co-operate with the German and United States Naval Forces in such a demonstration against the rebel Chief Mataafa as will show the futility of resistance, and thus secure, without bloodshed, the benefits of peace and stable government to the Samoan people. I have to add, in reply to Question No. 31, that no understanding exists for a revision of the final Act of the Berlin Conference on Samoan affairs.