Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Day.
New London, Conn., September 1, 1898.
Sir: With reference to my note of the 12th of July last, respecting the possibility of the early demise of King Malietoa, of Samoa, and the arrangements to be made for selecting his successor, I have the honor to state to you that Her Majesty’s Government have now received through Mr. Maxse, Her Majesty’s consul in Samoa, the intelligence of Malietoa’s death.
I am directed by Her Majesty’s secretary of state for foreign affairs to inform you that Her Majesty’s Government are of opinion that the election of the King’s successor ought to be strictly in accordance with the provisions of Article I of the Berlin final act of 1890, and that the consuls of the three powers should be instructed by telegraph to submit suggestions relative to the manner of procedure.
In reporting the death of the King, Mr. Maxse added a personal recommendation that the return to Samoa of the Chief, Mataafa, should be delayed until after the election of a new king, and Her Majesty’s Government would be glad to learn the views of the United States Government in regard to this proposal.
I have, etc.,