ARRESTS IN SAMOA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 202, 27 July 1937, Page 2

ARRESTS IN SAMOA

DETAILS BY TELEGRAM. ALL NOW QUIET. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 26. The acting-Minister for External Affairs (Hon. F. Langstone) has released for publication the telegrams which passed between himself and the acting-Administrator of Samoa, and between himself and Tamasese, ■ concerning the recent trouble there. The first telegram was from the acting-Administrator, w r ho described tho picketing activities of the Mau police, adding: “Have instructed the police to investigate and take action and precautions for any breaches of the law.”

The secretary of the External Affairs Department replied, -stating that the Minister regretted the incidents, which were not in keeping with the professions of goodwill by members of the Mau and their assurances of co-operation in maintaining order. The Minister trusted that proper action would be taken against offenders.

The acting-Administrator then advised that a Samoan, Ueli, had been sentenced to one' month for assault and the Chief Judge had addressed the Court advising the Samoans to use their influence in suppressing disorderly conduct, especially on the sacred occasion of the lagi (presentation of fine mats).

The acting-Administrator subsequently reported that a Samoan named Mose had been arrested for assault and disorderly conduct and other arrests were pending. He had received assurances from Tamasese and Hon. 0. Nelson, of co-operation in maintaining order. “While European feeling is high (unduly in my opinion) the Press message exaggerates the position. The acts were those of a few irresponsible hotheads. All breaches of the law are being promptly dealt with,” -declared the actingAdministrator.

The Minister replied, expressing concern at the evidence of Tamasese s inability or unwillingness to influence his followers. “He must remember he is a high chief and a member of the Legislative Council. As a maker of laws it is his duty to see that the law is upheld and the rights of private individuals properly safeguarded.” Tamasese, in a message to the Minister, regretted the unfortunate incidents and repeated the desire of the Samoans and himself to cooperate in maintaining peace and goodwill. “Though there nre extenuating circumstances of the undersirable incidents, they are ns much regretted by us as by you. The Samoans will help the police bring the offenders to justice if such be necessary.” The Minister, in a message to Tamasese, expressed appreciation of the assurances given. “On its part the Government is determined to assist the Samoan people to work out their own destiny in accordance with their high ideals and traditions.” Mr Langstone said the advice received from . the acting-Administra-tor to-day was to the effect that the ceremony of presenting fine mats to Tamasese had been concluded, n.rd normal activities in the area had been resumed.