FIRM POLICY IN SAMOA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 310, 22 March 1928, Page 15

FIRM POLICY IN SAMOA

Patience With Misguided People STERN MEASURES IF NEEDED Prime Minister Reviews Position IN a review of recent happenings in the mandated territory of Western Samoa, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, outlines the present and future policy of the Goverhment. While asserting- that every means possible will be exercised for a peaceful conclusion to existing- unrest, the Government will not hesitate, if necessary, to give full support to the new Administrator in order to make an end to trouble. Press Association.

WELLINGTON, To-day. In a review of the Samoan situation Mr. Coates says;

“I wish the public of New Zealand to understand how very reluctant the Government is to have recourse to the final arbitrament of force. It must be admitted that the Mau natives, misguided and misled as they undoubtedly are, and mischievous as their

activities have consistently proved, have acted throughout with restraint and with, perhaps, the inevitable exception of a few minor incidents of larrikinism, have never at any time given occasion to cause belief that they will resort to violence. Their movement has been, and still is, one of passive resistance. “They certainly are in earnest in adherence to the Mau, and in their belief in the existence of grievances, which to any sensible person must appear to be purely imaginary. They profess, and, I believe, act upon the highest principles of Christianity. Before taking any step it is their habit to pray for guidance.

“Moreover, they consistently assert that they are Christians, with no intention of harming anybody, and although the law has not been complied with it must be admitted that up to the present there has been no reason to doubt these pacific professions.

“I mention these facts in order that the public may he aware of the atmosphere that surrounds this extraordinary state of affairs, but it must be understood at the same time that the New Zealand Government cannot and will not allow the existing position to continue. It is our duty to govern Samoa, but we have felt that in view of the necessary departure of the present Administrator, and the appointment of his successor, it .would be wise—especially in view of our conviction that force . should not be resorted to until all other means have failed—to defer further action until the new Administrator has taken over, and the natives have had a further opportunity to’ realise their position and that of the Government. “I feel sure that the people of New Zealand, however concerned they may

be at the position that has been created in .Samoa, would not wish to risk precipitating a conflict with these innocent though misguided people, unless such a course is unavoidable. “At the present moment the Government does not feel that conflict is unavoidable. It hopes and believes that the position will right itself. “It wishes to make it plain, however, in New Zealand and Samoa, that if peaceable measures fall, the Administrator will receive the fullest support from the Government of New Zealand in any measures that may be necessary to re \ore order and enforce the law in the territory. In the meantime, we ars* taking the obvious precaution of arranging for an effective police force.”