German Version of the Affair NO ANNEXATION INTENDED. A SAMOAN RESIDENT INTERVIEWED.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 221, 24 September 1887, Page 1

German Version of the Affair NO ANNEXATION INTENDED.

A SAM OAN RESIDENT INTERVIEWED.

Among the passengers by the mail steamer Zealandia was Mr August Frings, representative of a large Samoan trading firm, who embarked at Tutuila. This gentleman it) evidently acting in a semi-official capacity on behalf of the German authorities at Samoa in connection with the recent deposition of King Malietoa and the raising to power of the so-called rebel chief Tamasese. Mr Frings was met on his arrival by Mr Brown, the German Consul of Auckland, and after despatching a very lengthy cablegiaphic message, proceeded to that gentleman's o/lice in Elliott-street. Here Mr Frings was interviewed by one of our roprestntntives and asked to give a statement respecting recent events ab Samoa, as viewed from a German's standpoint. Mr Frings promptly stated that he could make no statement, and Mr Brown explained that he was under strict orders to that effect. Our representative then inquired whether the " annexation " of Samoa was the result of instructions issued by the conference afc Washington. Mr Frings replied :—: — " There was no 'annexation.' That is a mis-statement. The conference is still sitting at Washington, and you will know the result probably beforo we will in Samoa." Reporter : "It is a mistake, then, to supposo that an agreement had been entered into by England, Germany and America by which Germany was to annex Samoa,- and that England would establish a protectorate over Tonga?" Mr Frings : "There was nothing of the kind. Germany was simply dissatisfied with Malietoa, who is a mere child, and who has no power or influence. He would not protect our interests, and he was deposed and Tamaseso appointed king in his stead, Tamasese is a great chief, and is the right man to hold that position. Malietoa had rofuscd to make good the losses sustained by Gorman residents, and could not be pub up with any longer." Reporter: "Have you seen the reports of the Samoan trouble published in the Auckland papers?" Mr Frings : " No I have not, bub I know tho correspondents. They do not understand our business. " Reporter : " Has there been any fighting since the deposition of Malietoa ?" Mr Frings : ' ' No ; Malietoa was a mere nobody. Ido not know where he was when I left." In course of further conversation Mr Frings stated that tho German fleet was still at Samoa when he left, and he did not know the intentions' of the Admiral. There were no British men-of-war there, and there was no likelihood of fighting between the opposing factions on the island. On the whole, Mr Frings treated the matter in an off-hand manner, being evidently firmly convinced that the German Admiral had done only what was right* and acted in accordance with instructions ,Indeed, he could not imagine how anyone could maintain the contrary. After some further conversation of a general character our represntative thanked Mr Fringe for his courtesy and withdraw.