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[Page 45]
The following wireless message was despatched to you to-day:-
From - Administrator,
To - Minister for Defence:
"Message from Navy Board, 9th instant, and my reply same day, regarding German signals heard by Thursday Island.
On 8th instant, in absence of Australian Fleet at Suva, I commissioned H.M.A.S "Nusa", 60 tons, armed with one 12 pounder, one 3 pounder and one Machine Gun, under Lieut. Commander Jackson, R.N., and accompanied by Lieut. Colonel Paton and detachment of Infantry, to proceed North Coast, New Britain, and investigate report as to presence of German Warship "Komet". Expedition entirely successful. "Komet" captured with one .F. Gun and complete wireless outfit. Captain, 4 German Officers and Native Crew of 52 taken Prisoners. Desire, for urgent reasonsaffecting Administration, she be effectually armed and returned earliest possible date with Jackson in command, as his local knowledge essential."
My reasons for recommend that the "Komet" be armed are, that it is necessary to send supplies from here to the principle places in other Islands of the Colony where food is short and Natives in some cases almost starving, which may at any time give rise to serious trouble. The outbreak of War has interrupted the regular service. Although it is believed the larger German War Vessels have gone South East, there are still some smaller vessels - possibly the "Geier" and "Planet" - in these waters; until they are accounted for, and in the absence of the Australian Fleet, Merchants will not risk of loss of shipments. When the "Komet" is effectively armed, she will be able to act with confidence in the protection of trade. Moreover, it will be necessary for me to visit Friedrich Wilhelmshafen, Kaiweng in New Ireland, Kieta in Bougainville, which I am unable to do at present for want of a suitable vessel. I ask, therefore, that no time be lost in dealing with the "Komet" and returning her to me.
I cannot speak too highly of the services rendered by Lieut. Commander Jackson, who has been most indefatigable and displayed qualities of seamanship of a high order in navigating dangerous waters without being in possession of accurate and reliable charts. It is on account of these capabilities that I ask that he be returned here in command of the "Komet", and that consideration be given to the question of granting him the rank of Acting Commander as a reward for his services.
I am taking the opportunity of sending to Australia by the "Komet", Herr E. Haber, the late Governor of the Colony, and several other Officials whom it is undesirable to keep here. Also as Prisoners of War Captain Moeller and four Officers of the "Komet".
Going by the same vessel is Lieut. General A.E. Wylde, Royal Marines who happened to be at Rabaul when War broke out, staying with his daughter, who is the wife of Captain Moeller. General Wylde was at once made prisoner by the German Government here, but subsequently gave a very full parole, which I have seen, to the end of the War, and was then released and has remained along with his wife, at Mrs. Moeller's house ever since. General Wylde informs me he has acquainted the Admiralty of all the circumstances, and I know reported himself personally to Vice Admiral Patey.