GERMANY IN THE PACIFIC.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 463, 23 March 1909, Page 4

GERMANY IN THE PACIFIC.

GERMAN CONSUL-GENERAL INTERVIEWED. (bt telegraph—special conttrcsroNnnfrr.) ' Auckland, March 22. Interviewed in Sydney, Dr. Irmer, Con-sul-General for Germany, described as absurd the telegram published by the "Now York Herald" expressing the view that Germany intended to annex an island in the Pacific and transform it into a naval base. Great Britain, Germany, America, and Franco had already apportioned the administration of tlio Pacific islands, and tlio only matter as yot unsettled had relation to tho interests of Great Britain and Franco in the New Hebrides. Dr. Inner added: "This scare about annexation comes as usual from an American source. A section of the New York press seldom loses an opportunity of putting Aus- . tralia against Germany. Reports of tlio kind are circulated for tho purpose of irri- ! tation. The story about Simpsonhafcr be- : ing converted into a naval base for Ger- ; many is a good illustration of an unfounded i scare. "There is likely to be trouble in Samoa ' over the succession to Mataafa at any 1110- j mont. He is old and feeble, and at his deatli a struggle for supremacy is sure to i occur between the rival chiefs. In sending warships to the southern seas, Germany , wishes to maintain peace and at tho sanio j time ho prepared for all contingencies." J