No. 479.
Prince von
Bismarck to Baron von
Zedtwitz.
[Translation.]
Berlin, November 18,
1887.
[Copy and translation left at the Department of State
December 9, 1887, by Baron von Zedtwitz.]
You have already been instructed on a former occasion to draw the
attention of the Secretary of State, Mr. Bayard, to the anti-German
attitude observed by the American consul-general at Apia, Mr. Sewall,
during our action against the Samoan King Malietoa. We have had a
similar experience with the predecessors of Mr. Sewall on all occasions
whenever we endeavored, in view of the unsettled state of affairs on the
Samoan Islands, to obtain better guaranties for the protection of the
there living German subjects and of their commercial interests. The
reports of our representatives in Apia of the last seven years
repeatedly contain the complaint that their American colleagues show a
tendency to interfere with our relations to the Samoan Government and to
imbue the latter with distrust of Germany. The endeavors made by Germany
in the interest of the establishment of a lawful and orderly condition
of affairs on those islands have, without exception, met with the
opposition of the American consular representatives.
At the outbreak of hostilities amongst the natives in 1881, when the
commander of His Imperial Majesty’s ship Möwe, on
the requisition of the German consul at Apia and in agreement with the
Samoan Government, as well as with the municipal administration,
occupied Apia in order to protect the foreign settlement, the American
consul, Mr. Dawson, protested against that measure, and caused the
editor of an Apia paper, with whom he was connected by friendship, to
publish a series of [Page 663] articles
cantaining injurious statements against the German vice-consul and the
commander of His Imperial Majesty’s ship Möwe.
The American Consul Canisius has been pointed out to us as the author of
two letters which Malietoa addressed to His Majesty the Emperor, under
the 18th and 25th of May, 1885. These letters contained complaints with
regard to the imperial representative in Apia, the demand of his recall,
and an insulting critique of German military measures. The successor of
Dr. Canisius, Mr. Greenebaum, made opposition to the German
representative in everything, encouraging at the same time Chief
Malietoa and his provoking attitude towards Germany. He arbitrarily
announced, in a proclamation issued on the 14th of May, 1886, the
American protectorate over the Samoan Islands, and hoisted, as a sign
thereof, the American flag over the Samoan flag, a proceeding which was
disavowed by his Government. The enroachments of the present
representative of the United States in Apia have, as you know,
repeatedly given occasion to me to complain of his conduct to Mr.
Bayard.
In view of the so friendly relations which have continued undisturbed for
more than a century between Germany and the United States, it is
remarkable that on that remote realm of islands, where neither America
nor Germany has any political interests to defend, we are exposed to the
continual ill-will of a series of American representatives. There are no
local commercial rivalries which could explain such a fact.
In this regard our relations to Great Britain are by far more difficult.
The contiguity of the English and German possessions at the Cape, in
Zanzibar, in West Africa, New Guinea, and in different parts of the
South Sea leads to rivalries which can not always remain free from
frictions. Great Britain has much more occasion to be jealous of the
extension of German influence, and has, besides, to take into
consideration the claims and prejudices of her colonies, which, grown up
under the idea of a British monopoly of ruling in transatlantic
countries, are inclined to look upon foreign neighborship as an
interference with the sphere of their interests, or as a menace to their
security. Especially in the case of Samoa the British Government has, on
account of the covetousness repeatedly shown by the New Zealanders of
obtaining possession of those islands, to contend with unusually great
difficulties with regard to a just and benevolent settlement of the
there existing difficulties with us. [Nevertheless we are there in much
better relations to England than to America, although the commercial
interests of Great Britain in Samoa, though smaller than ours, are more
considerable than those of the United States.
The American element has not aspired to a considerable commercial success
on the Samoa Islands. The value of imports in Apia which have gone
through the hands of American merchants amounts, according to the last
statistical statements of 1885, to $92,000; that of German imports to
$292,000. In the exports the German merchants participated with
$280,000, the American merchants with only $31,000.
The only large American firm in Apia, Grevesmühl, Crawford & Co., is
now under the management of two Germans, the American partner, who lives
in San Francisco, having lately withdrawn. At the end of the last year
the staff of the German firms in Apia consisted of forty-six employés,
that of the American firms only of seven. The German firms had
established, outside of Apia, in Upolu, and on the other islands of the
Samoan group, fifty commercial stations and smaller trading places—the
American firms not a single one. The German firms in Apia owned, in
1885; 21 ships, with 1,519 tons, for the trade in the South [Page 664] Sea, while the American firms
had no vessels of their own. The subjects of the Empire had brought, by
systematical establishment of plantations, 7,985 acres under culture,
while American plantations do not exist, and only about 100 acres of the
property owned by American subjects are cultivated. At the beginning of
1886 there were eighty-one Germans and twenty-four Americans residing
within the municipal district of Apia. Houses and property owned by
German subjects represent, as shown by the list of assessments of
municipal taxes, a value of $175,765; those of American citizens only a
value of $32,000.
Germany has never made use of this mercantile preponderance of her
subjects in Samoa to secure commercial privileges, as the United States
have recently done in Hawaii by the ratification of the lately renewed
reciprocity treaty of January 30, 1875. We have always maintained the
principle of equality of rights of nations in Samoa, and never aspired
to political advantages. Moreover, on the occasion of the latest action
against Malietoa, the continuation of whose government was incompatible
with our dignity, we have given, before the deposition of said chief, to
both the English and the American Governments the assurance, against
which no doubt has been raised, that it is not our intention to change
anything with regard to the relations of the treaty powers to Samoa.
I fail therefore to find in the facts themselves
any reasons that could explain the continual ill-will shown towards us
in Samoa by the American representatives of the past and of the present,
and I should be thankful to Mr. Bayard if he would lend me his
assistance in the investigation of this strange fact. Should my
supposition be right that those difficulties have their origin in the
personal disposition of the American representatives in Apia, and not in
their instructions, lam convinced that the American Government will
cause the necessary redress to take place.
It can not be conceived that consular officers who do not respect the
limits of their task, and who cause by their conduct without reason
international ill-feeling (verstimmung) between
countries entertaining friendly relations to each other, act in the
sense of their Government, with which Germany since the foundation of
the American Union has been connected by traditional friendship.
We come, therefore, readily to the conviction that it will suffice to
submit to the attention of his excellency the Secretary of State a
coherent review of the attitude observed by the different American
consuls in Samoa in order to be enabled to hope for the redress of a
misunderstanding which has no foundation in the actual reciprocal
friendly relations.
You are requested to read this instruction to the Secretary of State, Mr.
Bayard, and to leave him a copy of it.
[Incloaure 1.]
Account of proceedings in Samoa.
After the declaration of war against Malietoa by the imperial consul
at Apia the American consul-general, Mr. Sewall, offered his
services to cause Malietoa to voluntarily surrender himself.
Consul Becker entered therefore in communication with Mr. Sewall, but
declared at the same time that the military measures would not be
suspended by the negotiations. Mr. Sewall, however, did not take any
further steps to effectuate Malietoa’s [Page 665] surrender, who consequently gained
considerable time, and his further attitude corresponded in no way
to the friendly disposition which he had manifested by the said
offer. He issued a proclamation by which he emphatically declared,
in the name of his Government, that he continued to consider
Malietoa to be King of Samoa.
This proclamation naturally encouraged Malietoa, who was then,
according to reliable information, just about to surrender himself,
and he consequently desisted from his decision.
Moreover, the natives were cautioned not to recognize Tamasese and
not to send delegates to the assembly called by the latter to a
meeting on the 15th of September. Meetings of followers of Malietoa
have taken place in Mr. Se wall’s house, and Malietoa is said to
have been there several times at night.
Mr. Sewall protested in the name of the United States against all
measures taken by German officials in the interest of the
maintenance of peace and order as against violations of the
treaties.
On the 26th of August the regular meeting of the municipal council
was going to take place. Mr. Sewall ordered, with reference to
Article VIII of the municipal convention, Municipal Judge Martin to
hoist the flag of Malietoa, and declared at the same time that the
municipal council could only meet under that flag. Consul Becker
pointed out that Article VIII gave a right to the Samoan Government,
but not to the consuls, to hoist the Samoan flag, and that he could,
of course, not attend a meeting under the flag of a chief who was in
war with Germany. He referred to the fact that never at any meeting
held in the course of this year, a flag had been hoisted on the
municipal building. As Mr. Sewall insisted upon his order being
carried out, no more municipal sessions could take place.
Even the establishment of Tamasese in Mulinuu, the former seat of
government of Malietoa, was declared by the American consul-general
as a violation of the municipal convention. Moreover, he protested
against the proclamation issued on the 27th of August by the
commander of the German squadron, and subjecting, in the interest of
general security, the circulation on public streets to certain
restrictions. Inciting false rumors were put into circulation that
the Germans intended to burn down Apia; a considerable part of the
population was induced by these rumors to abandon their huts and to
flee into the forests.
[October 9.]
The American consul-general has lowered the flag of the consulate
after Malietoa’s surrender. Municipal sessions have not taken place.
English and American subjects, especially the representatives of the
firm McArthur & Co., of New Zealand, avail themselves, assisted
by their consular agents, of every opportunity to create conflicts
with the Samoan Government and with the Germans. Englishmen and
Americans have, in cases where the ownership of real estate was
disputed between them and Germans, surrounded such property with
fences and tried to secure to themselves the possession thereof by
hoisting the national flags; the same has been done on several
roads, even at the sea-shore, both of which are to be considered as
public property.
Consul-General Sewall has asserted in a general way, and also in
conversation with our consul, that it was his intention to hold
Tamasese responsible for the violation of the treaties, which he
thinks has taken place, as soon as he would have the power to do
so.
[Apia, October 13.]
On the request of the Samoan Government, Mr. Martin has arrested, on
the 11th of October, a Samoan subject named Tamasen, who was accused
to have stolen the line of the flag-mast before the Government
building in Apia. On the evening of the same day, after 10 o’clock,
Consul-General Sewall proceeded to the municipal building and
demanded from the guardians that the prisoner be set at liberty. As
the latter refused to comply with his demand, he put himself into
the possession of the keys of the prison and liberated said Tamasen
in person. On the next morning Mr. Sewall informed Mr. Martin that
he was no longer entitled to act as magistrate, and that he had to
leave the municipal building. Mr. Sewall has not informed our consul
of his action. The municipality is consequently suspended.
A continuation of such a state of affairs would have greatly
endangered life and property of the German subjects. There was no
protection by the police, the foreigners did not recognize the
native government, and the latter is not strong enough to maintain
order. If the American consul-general arbitrarily liberates a
prisoner, there seems to be good reasons for expecting excesses of a
more serious character.
[Page 666]
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Sherwood to
Selu, Samoan Secretary of
State.*
Auckland, New Zealand,
February 25, 1887.
My Dear Selu: I have much pleasure in
writing to you to let you know my thoughts and to inform you how
matters are progressing. I have been waiting for the particulars of
the securities in re the loan. They have just
come to hand, and I can now proceed with the business and will have
it completed as speedily as possible. Upon this bead you will soon
hear from me again. I have had many interviews with your great
friend, Sir George Grey, and he is much pleased with your actions
with regard to myself; he is highly pleased that you have placed
your trust in me.
Sir George desires me to inform His Majesty King Malietoa that he is
much pleased with what he has done and is of opinion that it will be
the best thing for the King, the Government and people of Samoa. Sir
George desires me ‘specially to inform you that he sees no reason to
alter his opinion as to what position Samoa should occupy and which
he, Sir George, communicated to His Majesty in a letter some time
ago. Sir George further wishes me to state that no convention or
agreement of any description should be entered into with any nation
or state, as the great days are coming for Samoa and nothing should
be done to in any way hinder it.
Sir George is earnestly desirous of the welfare of the Samoan nation.
In him you have a true and powerful friend. And you will soon feel
the good benefit of his great friendship. He further desires me to
ask you to write to the President of the United States of America
and to thank him for his kindly allusions to Samoa, made in the
Presidential message, delivered in America on January of this year.
I send you a draught of the letter to send; please let it be signed
by His Majesty and sealed.
Sir George brought to me Lord Sandhurst, who is a great man from
England. He has been with me several times and is taking great
interest in ail matters affecting Samoa and will do everything to
help me for your good; he is very powerful and wealthy and will be
another great friend of Samoa.
I have made most of the arrangements about the loan, and I want to
get the purchase of Weber’s land completed, as upon that land the
new Government buildings will have to be erected. I have had plans
made for these buildings, which will be large, handsome, and
convenient, and worthy of the Samoan Government. I have had patterns
of uniforms for police and troops, and they will be forwarded for
your approval; I am now having a design for new coinage. I intend to
take a steamer to Samoa, which will be useful to the Government for
rapidly visiting any part of the islands when such necessity arises.
This vessel will be of great service in carrying out the laws of the
Samoan Kingdom. All these things will be done and well done, and
without trouble to you, but, of course, you must be prepared to
exercise some patience. Great works can not be done rapidly. My
great desire and intention is that all shall be done well, so that
you, as a nation, will have the greatest benefit from it all, and
that your nation may be looked up to and respected.
Sir George Grey informs me that he has heard of the visit of the
Hawaiian embassy to your Kingdom, and expresses the hope that no
convention may be made with them. assured him that you would not do
so; as while matters were in their present state you would enter
into no arrangements. He was much pleased, and said if such a thing
were attempted it would seriously interfere with your future
prospects, and it would be most unwise for you in any way to be
attached to a weak nation. No matter how glowing the prospects might
be represented, it could only end in disaster to you. All this Sir
George desired me to tell you. I informed him that I would do so,
though I had no fear of your doing anything that would bring trouble
to you. I said I should rely upon your honor as chiefs and rulers to
do nothing so foolish. Sir George said: “Yes; I know the honor and
pride of the chiefs of Samoa is great, and you do well to rely upon
it.” He then requested me to convey to His Majesty King Malietoa and
to his chiefs his warmest regards, and to tell you to remain firm in
your independence; that good and powerful friends are interesting
themselves in your welfare, and that their efforts will soon bear
good fruits, and that all trouble in and about Samoa will cease, and
that you will all soon take the great position you are naturally
entitled to.
I need not tell you how thoroughly I concur in these sentiments, and
I am earnestly looking to bring all these matters about. Will you
kindly convey to His Majesty my profound regard and an earnest wish
for his welfare? Will you also give my best regards to all the
members of the Government, and tell them I shall be with them all
again as soon as I have your business arranged?
With best wishes, I am, etc.,
[Page 667]
[Inclosure in inclosure
1.]
Draught of letter to he sent to the
President.
To His Highness the President of the United States,
greeting:
I, Malietoa, the King of Samoa, have heard of the good words spoken
by yon to your Parliament in January concerning my Kingdom. I am
much gratified and pleased at the good feeling you express towards
my Kingdom, and assure your highness that my regard for the United
States is very great, and my wish and the wish of my people is that
we shall always be firm friends.
I am,
[
seal.]
Malietoa,
King of Samoa.
Dated at
Government House
Witness:
Selu,
Secretary of State.
[See Presidential message, January, 1887.]
The President said: “I have good reason to think that England and
Germany will join us in upholding autonomy of Samoa.”
Autonomy—independence.
Sherwood,
For the
Secretary of State.
