Is Force the only Solution?

The Samoan unrest, however, continues. The question is, in which way have the Mandates Commission helped to solve the problem? They have practically approved of "force" being the only solution.

Sir James Parr said the Administrator has not had the chance to tell the Samoans the truth. Why was the truth withheld from the Samoans until the dying hours of General Richardson's administration? Why did he not tell them the truth before? Sir James Parr spoke of endless propaganda by Nelson's committee and the endless funds at their command. Where were the funds to come from? How could anyone issue streams of propaganda against the administration in a place under the administration of such as General Richardson?

The Press has lately published what is undoubtedly an inspired statement that the Mau has already contributed £15,000 to the expenses of Mr. Nelson's trip, to Geneva and £5000 more has been asked for by cable from London. What pettiness, to make such a silly statement! It is perhaps not far wide of the mark to say that the Government have spent more than this in their propaganda to try and cover the deplorable outcome of their militaristic methods in Samoa.

Sir George Richardson very lamely tries to deny that in his excessive enthusiasm to win the confidence of the Samoans he himself originated the slogan: "Samoa for the Samoans." Why should not the Samoans aspire to make "Samoa for the Samoans," anyway?