Mr. Gresham to Mr. Runyon.
Washington, June 19, 1893.
German memorandum, June 13, recites apprehension of war in Samoa if Malietoa carries out announced purpose of forcibly subjecting Mataafa party, and asks views of this Government. Have answered that United States, mindful of obligation equally shared by three powers to execute general act of Berlin by upholding the authority they have jointly created, and in the humane desire to avert bloodshed, will send one or two naval vessels to Samoa to join with like naval forces of Germany and Great Britain in landing adequate force, surrounding Mataafa’s faction and disarming them. Operations to be decided by naval commanders jointly.
Inform minister of foreign affairs, and suggest immediate conference here with British ambassador and German minister.