MR MASSEY IN DEFENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1919, Page 1

MR MASSEY IN DEFENCE.

‘POST’S” ATTITUDE

(From High Commissioner) LONDON, -March 21. Official.—lt is considered a matter for surprise that the Wellington “Post” as quoted in the London Times of March 18th from its Washington correspondent, should so grossly and mischievously mis-represent the actual position regarding British and New Zealand claims respecting Samoa. The “Post’s” statements that Mr. Massey’s claim is based on “parochial and antiimperial absurdity” is extravagantly incorrect. The claim to Samoa as entrusted to and advocated by Mr Massey is not based on the fact that New Zealand troops took possession of former German territory at all. 1 hat was merely incidental, and Mr Massey - when presenting the case to the Allied Council cited and acknowledged the aid given by the Navy, and the Allies possession of Samoa was taken at the request of the Imperial Government for te Empire, aiming particularly at the elimination of a German naval base in the South Pacific. Mr Massey would be perfectly satisfied to see Samoa become a British possession, but the policy of the Great Allied Powers is against anything in the form of annexation. The policy of Britain is exactly the policy advocated by Mr Massey and that is nothing more or less than that Samoa should be placed under the control of New Zealand as a mandatory State, and that New Zealand administration and laws should operate in the new territory, with certain safeguards regarding natives. Mr Massey’s claim as representing . Britain’s policy is neither parochial nor auti-Im-perial or -opposed to Japan. It.ought to be mentioned that Mr Massey has had and is having serious difficulties to contend with. These difficulties will lie increased if New Zealanders take up the attitude of the ‘Post’ and ‘Times’ correspondent. Both M. Clemenceau and Hon. Lloyd George who hoard all the claims respect

ing the disposal of enemy territory warmly congratulated Mr Massey on his powerful but thoroughly fair presentation of the Samoan ease, before the Council of the Allied Powers,