GENERAL NEWS. Apia, May 15. DR. KNAPPE'S DEFENCE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 373, 1 June 1889, Page 3

GENERAL NEWS. Apia, May 15. DR. KNAPPE'S DEFENCE.

A great deal of stir has been caused here by the discovery of the endeavours of the late German Consul (Dr. Knappe) fco fix the blame of the recent encounter between Samoans and Germans on the former by trying to prove that the first shot was fired by the Samoans. For this purpose he induced some of the Samoans to sign an affidavit to the effect that they saw Samoans or Klein (the American journalist) fire the fir*t shot. On receipt of the news here, Mataafa made the fullest investigation, when the whole circumstances came to light. It appears that Knappe, in his desire to save himself from the consequences of his foolish action, ,got these Samoans, and read a paper to them purporting to bean agi-eement on their part to lay down their arms when the German squadron and troops arrived in Samoa. In return, he promised that if they did so he would cause notices in German to be posted around their property, which would ensure it being respected by the German army. They, after some argument, were induced to sign the paper put before them. The next that was heard of it was when it was sent to the United States Government in proof of the German contention as to Klein's share in the transaction. It is now stated that these Samoans were not near the scene of action.