THE PARTITION OF THE SAMOAN GROUP.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 46, 16 November 1899, Page 15

THE PARTITION OF THE SAMOAN GROUP.

A cable message received towards the end of last week announced that an important agreement had been come to between Great Britain and Germany with regard to Samoa. Great Britain renounces the islands of Upolu and Savaii m favour of Germany, and Tutuila in favour of America ; while Germany renounces in Great Britain's favour her rights in Tonga, Vavau, and the Savage Islands, and transfers to Great Britain the Solomon Islands situated east and south-east of Bouganville and Euka Islands. She also divides with Great Britain the neutral zone in the Gold Coast hinterland and Sydney East hinterland. Under the division of territory of the Gold Coast neutral zone Great Britain retains Gambara and Mnmprusi, Germany Yendi and Chakosi. It is also provided that Germany shall renounce her extra territorial jurisdiction over the Protectorate of Zanzibar. The German and American newspapers express themselves satisfied with the arrangements, whilst the British Press approve of the partition and exchanges, on the supposition that the Governments of the various Australasian colonies had been consulted before the arrangements had been completed. It is very doubtful if this had been done, as none of tbe Premiers admit having received any communication regarding the partition until the details were all settled. The Colonial Office has evidently ignored the colonies in the matter, a somewhat peculiar action so soon after the despatch of troops for South Africa. The main object gained, according to the opinions of leading English newspapers, is that the agreement removes all cause of friction with Germany. The Premier of New South Wales has declined to express an opinion on the agreement. Mr. Reid, the late Premier, states that his Government had not been consulted on the matter. He could not see any very pressing reasons why the bargain was come to. The Sydney Morning Herald considers that so sudden and complete a transfer of political power in the Pacific will come as a disappointment to a large number of AustraliansThe Right Hon. R. Seddon was interviewed regarding the matter in Christchurch on Saturday, and when asked if his Government had been consulted, and if so had it acquiesced, he replied that he had only seen the matter referred to in the newspapers. He was not prepared to answer any questions at present, but as soon as he returned to Wellington a Cabinet meeting would be held to consider it. In the meantime the Government would maintain a tentative attitude.