CONTROL OF SAMOA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 119, 13 February 1919, Page 5

CONTROL OF SAMOA

NEW ZEALAND'S MANDATE ALMOST COMPLETED SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright London, February 11. Official—The mandate for New Zealand's control of Samoa on behalf of tho League of Nations is almost completed. Mr. Mnssey was frequently consulted by high authorities regarding the conditions, which practically eliminate international control. The historic document, -vhich has yet to go before the H Council of "■Powers and plenary Conference for approval, is appreciably different from the original proposal. It is impossible to publish details, but it is permissible to say that the principle 'means that New Zealand shall control Samoa as though the island was an integral part of New Zealand, whose administration and legislation will be exactly applicable to Samoa. New Zealand is undertaking to prevent abuses such as traffic in arms, slaves, and liquor. It is also provided that if Samoa at any time desires absorption, its union with New Zealand shall be agreed to by the League of Nations, which must receive- an annual re. port of New Zealand's administration of 'Samoa on the League's behalf. There is absolutely no open door cs regards trade or immigration, so enemy influence, will be entirely removed. The mandate is not yet accepted, but is deemed acceptable in its present form. A satisfactory settlement is now in sight.— Press Assn.