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[Page 160]
[Report from Colonel Holmes]
British Administration - German New Guinea:
Rabaul, New Britain, 28th November 1914.
The Honorable,
The Minister of Defence,
Melbourne:
Sir;
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the following wireless messages, regarding the appointment of Colonel Pethebridge as Australian Commissioner, Pacific Islands, and the despatch of Troops by the "Eastern" for occupation of Islands North of the Equator:-
21st November: "Eastern" with Troops for occupation Islands Pelew, Caroline, Marshall and Ladrone leaving Sydney 26th Novr., escorted by "Una" formally "Komet". Expedition in charge Petheridge, Secretary Defence, who has been appointed Australian Commissioner, Pacific Islands with rank of Colonel. Will call Rabaul 5th December, and if necessary will disembark troops and embark such of your Troops as you may require to deal with Bougainville trouble, and then return Rabaul, embark Petheridge's Troops and proceed, when "Una" can continue escort."
23rd November: "Three Destroyers due arrive Rabaul about 30th Novr. They will assist you in occupying captured German Territory South of Equator, and seek for German Ships. "Fantome" leaves Sydney about Decr. 1st for same service. "Una" late "Komet" with "Eastern" due Rabaul about 5th Decr. with Commissioner and Troops to occupy islands North of Equator. One set wireless one and half kilowatts is being sent in "Warrego" for erection Bougainville."
25th November: "Colonel Petheridge will administer as Commissioner, the Pacific Islands lately German North of the Equator, formal jurisdiction extending to all newly acquired possessions South of the Equator. What action do you propose as further service of Troops after completion of six months term of enlistment. Do you propose that portion should be retained and the remainder return to Sydney? Additional supplies for Troops will be despatched December.
In reply to the above I have prepared the following wireless messages, but owing to atmospheric conditions I find it has not yet been possible to despatch them to Australia, but no doubt such telegraphic messages will have reached you prior to the receipt of this despatch:-