Baron Saurma to Mr. Gresham.
Washington, March 13, 1895.
Mr. Secretary of State: The Imperial consul in Apia has pointed out in several reports to the ministry for foreign affairs the urgent necessity for prevailing upon the United States to express her attitude with regard to the question of control of the Samoan finances (revenues), and to furnish the consul-general of the United States in Apia with instructions as to the authority of the president of the municipality over fiscal matters.
My notes to your excellency of June 1, June 15, and of July 9, 1894, had reference to this subject, but the reply asked for has up to date not been received.
On the 8th of September, 1894, a memorandum from the Imperial embassy was received by Mr. Uhl, Acting Secretary of State, with reference to the same subject, and in which a speedy decision and reply was likewise requested.
As it seems that the American representative in Samoa is still without instructions in the matter, and as in consequence thereof it has not been hitherto possible, through a joint action of the consuls of the three treaty Powers, to bring about a recognition of the right of control of the Samoan revenues by the president of the municipality, in keeping with the wish of the Imperial Government in concurrence with that of the British Government, I have been instructed anew, in view of the uninterrupted damage to the Samoan finances arising from this delay, to approach your excellency for a decision and the issuance of instructions to the American representative in Apia.
Anticipating an answer from your excellency as soon as possible,
I avail, etc.,