Sir Philip Currie to Consul Cusack-Smith.
October 17, 1892.
Sir: I am directed by the Earl of Rosebery to transmit herewith copy of a letter which the president of the municipal council at Apia has addressed to the Government of the three treaty powers respecting the audit of the accounts of the municipality and of the Samoan Government, respectively.
The accompanying copies of dispatches as marked in the margin will put you in possession of the views held by the governments of Germany and of the united States in regard to this question.
Baron S. von Pilsach suggests that the difference of opinion which has arisen between himself and the members of the municipal board on this subject could be [Page 580] met by keeping the revenues of the municipality distinct from those of the Government.
It appears to tier Majesty’s Government that this would be the best course to adopt in the matter and in this view the U. S. Government are also disposed to agree.
Should it, however, be found impossible to come to an arrangement in the sense proposed, Lord Rosebery thinks that, as stated by the German minister for foreign affairs in his note of the 15th ultimo, the question should be settled by the chife justice in accordance with the provisions of the final act.
I am to instruct you to join your German and Ameriean collea gues in a collective communication to Baron Senfft von Pilsach to the above effect.
I am, etc.,