CONTROL OF SAMOA.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1919, Page 5

CONTROL OF SAMOA.

MR. MASSEY DEFENDS MANDATORY Received April 9, 10.6 p.m. London, April 8. Referring to telegrams from New Zealand to the London newspapers, which quote a section of the New Zealand press as being opposed to the Dominion accepting the mandatory control of Samoa, Mr. Massey states that he is agreeable to a purely British control, but, as previously explained, the Allied Powers are opposed to the direct annexation of the former German colonies. There is, therefore, no alternative to the New Zealand nanrtutcry control, except the prNubility of a Bimilar occupation by a Power other than British. This, in the circumstances is surely an unthinkable humiliation. Moreover, Samoa can be made to pay its way. No garrison will be required, and its trade will be valuable to New Zealand. It is considered by competent authorities that Samoa is one of the most important strategic and trading centres in the Pacific.

New Zealand newspapers also state that our administration of the Cook Islands has failed, thus proving incapacity for accepting the conti-ol of Samoa. This statement is unfair in effect, and inaccurate. The British Government authorities say that our administration of the Cook Islands has been an undoubted success.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. '