To Germany

Samoan Attitude

Fear of the Nazi Rule

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Nov. 28.

OF late, a little Nazi propaganda has been active in the Territory, among Euronesians and natives, who are told that the return of German rule is imminent. This activity is insignificant, however, and has no apparent influence on the mass of the people of the Terri tory.

There are no German business inter ests now in Western Samoa. There are about a dozen German planters, who have leased plantations from the Government, There are only about 20 German white nationals. Though the 1936 census showed nearly 500 German nationals among the Euronesians, the large ma jority of these do not know the German language and have no ties with Ger many.

The question may be asked; What would be the attitude of the population of Western Samoa, native and European, to a proposal to return the Territory to Germany?

It is interesting, in this regard, to re call the spontaneous offer of the Samoan representatives, the Fono of Faipule, during the recent European crisis, to supply a fighting force of 9,000 young Samoans, for service at home or over seas, coupled with an expression of sin cere loyalty to the British flag.

Would Lose Privileges

Those sentiments were quite natural, considering that the New Zealand Gov ernment has granted the natives a large and liberal measure of self-government, which they very probably would lose under the rule of a Totalitarian State.

There is also apprehension as to the religious aspect of a return of Samoa to Germany under Nazi rule. It is feared that the beneficial influence of the mis sionary bodies, unhindered now under the liberal and tolerant New Zealand Admin istration, would be interfered with, and probably be replaced by some kind of Nazi or semi-pagan ideology.

The section which would be hardest hit by a Nazi Administration would be those of mixed blood, numbering over 3 000 Under Germany’s racial policy, this section, now enjoying equal politi cal and economic rights with Europeans, would be discriminated against and lose

their present privileges.

The position may be summarised by saying that Germans, and German-Sa moans, are proud of their German blood; but thev definitely do not want to come under the power of the Nazis In the circumstances, it can be said that practically the whole of the Euro pean and native population of the Ter ritory are strongly opposed to a return to German rule.

The right of self-determination should be applied, not only to German minori ties in Europe, but also to any Territor ies claimed by Germany; and the Sa moans consider that they are neither chattels nor slaves, to be handed over to a new owner or “protector” without being consulted in the matter. A pleb iscite in Western Samoa probably would give a 95 per cent, majority against ces sion to Germany.

Mr. and Mrs. R. V. Kay left Samoa last month. Mr. Kay had completed a three-years’ term as Crown Solicitor and Commissioner of Labour.