Baron Ketteler to Mr. Foster.
Washington, October 24, 1892.
Mr. Secretary of State: Referring to my note of the 15th instant, relative to the joint intervention through vessels of war of the treaty powers in Samoa, I have the honor, in obedience to instructions received, to make the following further communication:
The royal Government of Great Britain having given it to be understood that it would take part in joint action by the three treaty powers, it is suggested by the Imperial Government that it would be well for the commanders of the war vessels to come to an understanding with regard to the measures to be adopted for the restoration of order in Samoa.
It would, however, be a question, in the opinion of the Imperial Government, whether the commanders should not be instructed, at least in a general way, concerning the object of the demonstration. If, therefore, an understanding on the subject should be reached by the governments, and should the instructions to be issued then come up for consideration, the following points might be thought worthy of attention: As was decided during last year’s negotiations, the most desirable object to be attained will be the disarming of the revolutionists assembled at Malie, while that next in importance will be the disarming of the other natives. As regards Malie, the only way in which this object could be accomplished would probably be for all the vessels of war, in cooperation with the forces of the Samoan governmental party, to surround the position occupied by the revolutionists and force them to lay down their arms. It could probably only be decided on the spot to what extent landing, or at least boat maneuvers, would be required. Even after the action at Malie it would be necessary for the war vessels to remain in as close communication with each other as possible. With a view to facilitating the securement of the arms, it would be well to allow pecuniary compensation for arms voluntarily delivered up, as was proposed last year by the German and British consuls at Apia. This plan is not practicable, owing to the present financial situation of the Samoan Government. It might, however, be made a question whether the payment of arrears of the poll tax and of the tax on firearms might not be remitted to any person surrendering a gun, and whether a certificate to that effect might not be issued to such person. It might also be advisable to take the principal chiefs of the several villages or districts on board of the war vessels, and to keep them there until such a number of guns had been surrendered as, according to their statements, might be expected to be found in the localities. If an approximately complete collection of the weapons now in the country could be made in this way, no special punishment of Mataafa and his adherents might be necessary.
Hoping to be favored as speedily as may be convenient with a reply to the question raised in my note of the 15th instant, relative to the participation of the United States in the joint demonstration, I beg that what has been set forth in this note may kindly be considered when a decision is formed.
I avail myself, etc.,