THE SAMOAN QUESTION. GERMAN WHITE BOOK. AMERICAN FLAG AT SAMOA. ENORMOUS LAND CLAIMS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 366, 8 May 1889, Page 5

THE SAMOAN QUESTION. GERMAN WHITE BOOK. AMERICAN FLAG AT SAMOA. ENORMOUS LAND CLAIMS.

BußtiiN, May 5. Dr. Knappe, in the white book with reference to Samoan affairs, whidh has just been issued by the German Government, condemns what he calls the unwarrantable hoisting of the American and British flags over the huts and flags belonging to natives. He alleges that the natives pledged some of the land claimed by the Germans for arms and ammunition, and the holders were therefore justified in hoisting their own national flag over them. Dr. Knappe also states that the Commander of the British cruiser Royalist declared that he would not support these claims to this hypothecatedland. The Amorican firms, Dr. Knappe says, for years imported handkerchiefs of the national colours, and having portraits of the President of America on them. Since the outbreak these had been hoisted over the houses and huts recklessly. Berlin is excited at what is considered to be the inopportune publication of the correspondence. The Committee of the Samoan Conference now sitting in this city has ascertained that the quantity of land claimed exceeds the total area of the islands in extent. Consul Sevvell and Dr. Brandois attended the sittings. The Emperor William receives the delegates after his return from Kiel.