Sir Julian
Pauncefote to Mr. Hay.
British
Embassy, March 17,
1899.
[Telegram from Consul Maxse, Apia, to Lord Salisbury, March
7, 1899.]
U. S. S. Philadelphia arrived March 6. Forces are
being assembled by Mataafa faction, who are intimidating certain Malieto
chiefs with a view to compel them to join.
The German consul-general has declined to join the United States and
British consular representatives in a proclamation, but has himself
issued an aggresive one.
Agreement impossible owing to action of German consul-general.
[Handed to Secretary April 13,
1899, being substance of a telegram from Lord Salisbury
to Sir Julian Pauncefote.]
In view of the troubles which have recently taken place in Samoa, and
for the purpose of restoring tranquillity and order therein, the
three parties to the conference of Berlin have appointed a
commission to undertake the provisional government of the
islands.
For this purpose they shall exercise authority in the islands. Every
other person or persons exercising authority therein, whether acting
under the provisions of the final act of Berlin or otherwise, shall
obey their orders, and the three powers will instruct their consuls
and naval officers, to render similar obedience. No action taken by
the commissioners in pursuance of the above authority shall be valid
unless it is assented to by all three commissioners. It will fall
within the attribute of the commissioners to “consider the
provisions which they may think necessary for the future government
of the islands, or for the modification of the final act of Berlin,
and to report to their Governments the conclusions to which they may
come.”
A similar telegram has been sent to Berlin.
