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[Page 188]
(9)
I told him I had received no official information as to any difficulty, but promised to wire you, which I accordingly have done, as follows :-
"Hamburgische Sudsee Coy. here state advised by Justus Scharff, Sydney, difficulty obtaining possession copra shipped by "Matunga", although intended for shipment Liverpool. Matter stated under consideration Attorney General. Has decision been given. Delay affecting despatch further shipments."
It will be seen from the letter that the cargo is not for Germany, but a British Port, and I hope, under the circumstances that there will be no difficulty, as it is not to be expected that any further shipments will be sent from here while any uncertainty exists.
I anticipated next month to be able to arrange for the shipment of large quantities of cargo, which are now being collected by my Steamer, the "Meklong", on behalf of the Merchants, at numerous Islands lying to the East of New Ireland.
It will be rather unfortunate if any block occurs now, as the trade from this Port is fast resuming normal conditions.
I have to acknowledge receipt of the following wireless message this morning :-
"Is understood that Mr. Sanders, Acting British Resident Commissioner, Cunningham Islands, has instructions to issue recruiting licenses authorising Planters in that Group to recruit labor in Bougainville. Commonwealth Government think such course undesirable, and has asked High Commissioner, Western Pacific, instruct Sanders not to issues licenses. In meantime Military Authorities should refuse to recognise such licenses if issued."
Information has already reached me that such action was contemplated, and I had already made up my mind to absolutely prevent such action. Up to the present, however, no such recruiting has taken place, but in view of your message, I have now definitely instructed, in writing, the O.C. Garrison at Kieta that such a course must not be permitted.
As I have no use here for the service of Lieut. Eric Harrison, and detachment of the Aviation Corps, which arrived by the "Eastern", I have directed that they return to Australia, and passages have been arranged by S.S. "Matunga" leaving here in a day or two.
By the "Matunga" I am also sending to Sydney the following Germans, whom it is undesirable to retain in this Colony :-
Schultz Anton - Customs Official.
Grundler E. & Wife - Treasury do
Grunbach Franz - Court Official.
Weller Carl - Post Master.
Horn Kurt - Treasury Official.
Bredemann Dr. Gustave. Curator, Botanic Gardens.