Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 103]
BRITISH ADMINISTRATION - GERMAN NEW GUINEA:
Rabaul,
New Britain,
13th November 1914.
The Honorable ,
The Minister of Defence,
Melbourne:
Sir;
On my return yesterday from Nauru, after an absence of 15 days, a communication, dated 9th instant, from Commander J.A.H. Beresford, R.A.N. (a copy of which is attached hereto) was placed in my hands, in which he sets forth certain imaginary grievances.
[See Commander Beresford's letter, pages 105/6]
I found also that two days previous to my return. Commander Beresford had been invalided to Australia by the S.S. "Matunga", and that the above mentioned letter was not delivered at my office here until 12 hours after the "Matunga" had sailed.
The complaints he makes are, in my opinion, so puerile that at first I did not intend to take any action on the communication, particularly as I understand he has developed lung trouble and has been very ill for some time, and during the last week was an inmate of the Hospital here. I therefore thought it possible he had developed hallucinations through brooding over his illness. However, as he states he has forwarded a copy of his letter to the Naval Board, Melbourne, direct, which he undoubtedly should not have done, seeing that he was under my command, it is perhaps better I should comment on his statement.
With regard to the Expedition to Kaewieng, this was referred to in my despatch of 21st October. It consisted of a small Military Force under the command of an experienced Officer (Major Heritage), placed on board the Government Steamer "Nusa" with just sufficient Naval Reservists to work the Ship. The King's Harbour Master was asked to nominate a Pilot, and he suggested Mr. Strassburg, a Master Mariner of many years experience in these Island waters, who had as a matter of fact been sent with my force on the "Berrima" I take it especially for duties of this nature, on account of his extensive local knowledge.
I did what I considered best, and the fact that the Expedition was so successful as reported in my despatch of 27th October, proves I think, that my judgment was correct.
Administration Order No. 9 alluded to by Commander Beresford, was a notification of the appointment of Lieut. Commander Jackson, R.N., to the command of the "Komet" to take her to Sydney, and Lieut. Commander Lambton as King's Harbour Master at Simpsonhafen in lieu of Jackson. These appointments were made by me in the best interests of the administration, and I saw no occasion to consult Commander Beresford.