Molotov

The German Empire would like to extend a diplomatic solution to the United States regarding the Samoan islands. Germany suggests partitioning the islands into two parts. The Western islands of Upolu, Savai'i, Apolima and Manono should fall under German administration, and the Eastern part of the Chain goes to the Americans. We await your reply.

Sir, you seem to be under the influence of strange ideas, ones that suggest that there is any type of ongoing territorial dispute regarding the Kingdom of Samoa.

We will not tolerate any encroachment on the sovereign territory of King Malietoa Laupepa and his heir Malietoa Tanumafili, which both the United States and Great Britain - in the latter case, as mandated by the Anglo-German Treaty of Samoa - has promised to protect. Upon the King's request, for fear that illegitimate rebels currently in exile would return to dispute his succession was something to happen to him, the US Navy and a detachment of Marines have been deployed to the Kingdom of Samoa to protect His Majesty. I may remind you, sir, that the German consul participated in crowning this man just as well as the American and British ones did, and that the General Act of Berlin recognizes him as King.

Any attempt to encroach sovereign Samoan territory will be met in full force by the islands' American defenders, and significsnt reinforcements from the Pacific Squadron and the West Coast.

While we well understand the position of the United States, escalation into an incident of an international nature - before any conflict has actually occurred, we must point out - will do little to reduce tensions, and the United Kingdom calls for calm from all parties. While the British Empire has, by seperate treaty with Germany, relinquished all territorial claims upon the Samoan islands, we remain, as per the same Treaty on Samoa, a party under the prior Treaty of Berlin, committed to support and protect the rightful King of Samoa, and the right of the natives to select their Chief or King. The Royal Navy is ready, able and willing to enforce the terms of this treaty and resist the unilateral takeover of Samoa by any Power, or attempts to override the selection of the Samoan monarch by force from any party. Consequently, Great Britain, as both an involved party and one without territorial ambitions, nor ambitions of any kind over the Samoan people and their governance, offers to serve as a mediator in this dispute.

We are also aware, however, of the present issues arising from the Condominium arrangement, which has admirably attempted to maintain the peace and provide good governance of the Samoan islands, and provided a shining example of friendly international co-operation between the governments of Germany, the United States, and Great Britain. These efforts - despite the best of intentions and the competence of the men appointed to the Condominium administration - have, however, not been entirely successful, and led to certain disputes among the natives, as well as difficulties in maintaining established governance, law, and order among the concerned Islands. Given the suffering of the Samoan people, it would be well that these civilised Powers do make arrangements for the better stewardship and duty of care towards the Native Peoples under their protection.

Consequently, in the absence of alternative proposals, we do believe that the German proposal has merit, insofar as the good of the native population would be better served by consolidated government which could more efficiently provide protection, services and development. We are, however, bound by the terms of the Treaty of Berlin. As such, even in the event of partitioned governance - which is now possible as the British Empire has withdrawn claims - we would move that, in accordance, that Malietoa Laupepa remain as elected King of Samoa, and with Samoan natives owing their allegiance to said rightful King, not the governments which might take certain islands under their caretakership on the natives' behalf. The precise details of this administrative division of the Kingdom of Samoa, however, we leave up to the United States and Germany, unless mediation is further called for on this point.

With regards to British opinion, and Germany's position on America's cassus belli against Spain, it is our hope that America will review and reconsider its previous position on the issue of Samoa. Germany looks forward to America's answer.

With a change of US policy after some...dealings at home it is the current decision of the United States that the terms of equal partition as suggested by Germany are acceptable. We can then consider this matter closed?

The German Empire is delighted a conclusion has been found in which no Blood will be shed over Samoa.