Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Blaine.
Sir: Her Majesty’s Government has received a communication from the King of Samoa complaining that the adherents of the rebellious chief, Mataafa, are defying and obstructing the authority of the supreme court of Samoa at Malie, and requesting the assistance of the foreign men of war at Samoa with a view to enable the court to execute its warrants.
Lord Salisbury understands that a similar communication has been addressed to the U. S. Government by King Malietoa, and he is anxious to learn what view they take of the King’s appeal and the nature of the instructions which they propose to send to their consul at Apia and the municipal president.
I have, etc.,