THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1087, 17 September 1883, Page 3

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Lord Derby’s Replyi , [REUTERS— COPYRIGHT.;] MELBOURNE, Sept 15. The Agent-General in ; London .Kas telegraphed to Mr Service that the Colonial Office has replied to the joint letter of the colonial Agent s-Geheral on the subject of proposed annexation in the Pacific. The reply ; was deemed unsatisfactory. Lord Derby admits the care and ability displayed in the preparation of the historical statement which was referred to the consideration of Sir Arthur Gordon and the Admiralty. Lord Derby doubts whether so much ignorance prevails in Australia regarding the claims of Foreign Powers as the AgentsGeneral apprehend. Samoa and Tonga bane been long recognised as independent; and, moreover, France, since 1878 had respected the independence of New Hebrides thdngb the position of the latter in relation to the Foreign Powers cannot be ignored. Referring to the Solomon Islands, Lord Derby expresses the opinion that the Colonial Government had hardly considered the responsibility attaching to their assumption. The Imperial Government was not satisfied that annexation was necessary or justifiable. His Lordship says that he has

nothing to add concerning New Guinea, and concludes by stating that if Colonial Governments desire to bear the cost of the measures proposed in the AgentsGoneral memorandum, and will confer and make the proposal concerning other islands not subject to treaty such proposals will .receive the attention of Government.