Item 05: General William Holmes reports of operations and instructions for officers, 1914-1915 - Page 103

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[Page 103]

(2)

27th October: From Navy Board:
"Letter for Commissioner Ocean Island carried by Steamer "Messina" is cancelled; instructions to Master "Messina" insofar as they relate to Commissioner Ocean Island are also cancelled.  "Messina" may proceed Nauru without escort, taking 2 officers 50 others so that half may cover landing of remainder.  All Germans to be brought to Rabaul under guard.  Maintain Military occupation until arrival Representative High Commissioner Western Pacific.  Administrative work may be left to the Representative, Pacific Phosphate Coy.  Troops must take two months supplies - Pethebridge."

27th October:  From Navy Office:
"Referring occupation Nauru, note that German Government Official there named Wosrack, is under parole given to Melbourne, 9th Septr. 1200."

27th October:  To Minister Defence:
"Lt. Commander Lambton in command H.M.A.S. "Madang" yesterday captured vessel "Samoa" (300 ton Auxiliary Schooner) at New Ireland."

28th October:   Navy Board to Administrator:
"W/T Officer reports arrival and departure of "Messina" and if messages sent you 26th October, signed Pethebridge, have been received."

28th October:  To Navy Office:
"Messages referred to received.  "Messina" leaves for Naru today."

29th October: From Nay Office:
"Presuming "Messina" calls at Ocean Island to land stores, and to take Pacific Phosphate Coy's British Staff to Nauru.
1657 (This message received at Rabaul after departure of "Messina" with Administrator on board.)

8th November:  From Murray, Lt. Governor, Papua:
"Native report, said to be fairly reliable, states 6 Europeans and 600 Coolie Soldiers at Morobe; food supplies said to be short.

15th November:  from Navy Office:
"6328: "Sydney" reports Master "Kulamgangra" reports that German Government Resident at Kieta has made Prisoners of about 30  British traders and Planters about Bougainville Island, and are strongly entrenched in the hills close to Kieta with about 500 armed natives.  It is expected residents will resist annexation.  What course do you propose."

15th November:  To Nay Office:
"Waiting return "Komet"; will then despatch expedition at Bougainville (This message was repeated on 21/11/14)."

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