Mr. Foster to Baron Ketteler.
Washington, September 29, 1892.
Sir: With reference to your note of July 29, inclosing a copy of a dispatch from the British consul in Samoa to his Government, under date of May 26, 1892, respecting the state of affairs in that island, I have the honor to inform you that I had previously received a copy of the same dispatch from Mr. Herbert. This Government has observed a friction between the different officials in Samoa, which is certainly most prejudicial to the interests of the island and is altogether unnecessary. It has felt also that neither the president of the municipal council nor the chief justice has always shown proper consideration for the consuls and the land commission. Whether or not they have preferred the interests of the natives to those of the white residents this Government of itself has no information. The circumstances of the former should especially commend them to the consideration of all officials in Samoa, but, of course the just rights of the white settlers ought not to be neglected.
In the absence of further information, which it hopes to receive from its representative at Apia, this Government is not prepared to advise with respect to the exact form which would most conduce to bring about a better understanding, but it will gladly join with the Imperial Government and the Government of Great Britain in any feasible plan to that end.
Accept, etc.,