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[Page 135]
from the Japanese Squadron, who had really no particular business to transact beyond coaling, and my firm belief is that they were merely looking round, and I know it was their intention to have sent a Destroyer to the Admirality's group, but when it was found that my garrison was established there, the proposed visit was abandoned, and the Japanese Squadron sailed on the following day to join other ships north of the Equator.
I was glad to hear that your man, Workman, had been appointed resident at Nauru, although his position seems a unique one, as he is an officer of the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, whereas the administration of the island is under the British officer at Rabaul, this garrison is also, still at the island. However, Workman will know how to deal with the Pacific Phosphate Company, in whom I have personally very little confidence, I think they are a greedy, grasping lot, and are desirous of gaining all they can for lining their own pockets. I have just been faced with a claim from this Company for £3,558 for the diversion of their chartered steamer "Messina" which I used to convoy the Britishers back from Ocean Island to Nauru, and to bring away all the Germans from Nauru. One would have thought that this action would have been so satisfactory from a business point of view to the Pacific Phosphate Company, that instead claiming £3,558 from the Australian Government, they should have been prepared to make a contribution to such Government to the extent of ten times the amount of their claim, however, I have replied pretty forcibly to their claim, and recommend the Australian Government not to entertain it under any circumstances.
In a note I had from Workman, before I left Rabaul, he mentioned that he was adopting the name "Pleasant Island"
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