Mr. Phelps to Mr.
Gresham.
No. 561.]
Legation of
the United States,
Berlin, April 28,
1893.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a
copy, with translation, of a note from the imperial foreign office,
dated the 27th instant, which was received to-day, and in which it is
suggested by the German Government that the labors of the Samoan land
commission be allowed to be prolonged until the end of May, 1894.
While awaiting instructions from the Department which will enable me to
communicate to the foreign office the wishes of the President in this
matter,
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No.
561.—Translation.]
Foreign Office,
Berlin, April 27,
1893.
Mr. Minister: It appears by a communication
from the imperial envoy at Washington that the U. S. Government had
in January last called attention to the fact that the land
commission appointed to examine land claims in Samoa could not
accomplish its task within the period of two years provided for in
Article iv, section 3, of the Samoan treaty, and that a question had
consequently arisen of prolonging this period.
The Imperial Government would consider it expedient to make such
prolongation for the period of one year, so that the commission
which began its labors on May 30, 1891, would be required to
complete them at the latest by the end of May, 1894. I should be
grateful if your excellency would kindly inform me whether the
Government of the United States agrees to this proposition. The same
proposal has been made to the Royal Government of Great Britain, and
I shall not fail to communicate their answer to your excellency.
Accept, etc.,
