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[Page 97]
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By 5-0 p.m. the whole of the German Residents, 30 in number, were placed in arrest, their houses searched, arms and ammunition collected, and they were informed they would be deported on the 8th by the "Messina".
On 7th the Ship continued discharging stores for the Company.
Although the first duty performed on reaching Government House on 6th was to haul down the German Imperial Flag and hoist the Union Jack, I deemed it most advisable to do this officially with as much Public ceremony as possible, so as to impress the Natives.
This was, therefore, done at 3-0 p.m. on 7th instant, when Captain Norrie paraded all available Troops, and also the Native Police. There was a large attendance of White people and Natives.
Previous to the Flag Ceremony, I held a levee of all the Nauru Chiefs, who were presented to me by Herr Wostrack at Government House. I addressed them and explained that I represented His Majesty the British King, and that the reign of the Germans was over; that although I was going away myself, I would leave 2 Officers and many British Soldiers behind to protect them, and as long as they and their people did what was right the KIng of England would protect them. The British Flag, which I pointed out was then flying over their heads, would not be hauled down. I invited them to send all their people along in the afternoon to the flag ceremony, and this accounted for the la.
I found this explanation was necessary, as the Natives could not understand why the Warship "Melbourne" visited them and then went away again, and feared that this might be repeated by my force.
The Natives welcome British Rule, which I am informed they regard as far preferable to German.
The Germans here, with one or two exceptions (notably Herr Wostrack, Resident Commissioner, who has given me every assistance) are very bitter and vindictive. After they deported the Company's British Officials to Ocean Island, they with due ceremony erected a tombstone in Memory of the departed British, and after the hurried visit of H.M.A.S. "Melbourne" on 9th Septr., when the wireless Station was put out of action, they publicly burned a British Mercantile Red Ensign.
Pending the arrival of a Representative of the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, I have arranged for Captain Norrie to carry on, but to leave all matters connected with the employment of labor, etc. by the Pacific Phosphate Coy. to Mr. Edwards, the Representative of that Company.
A copy of instructions issued by me to Captain Norrie is enclosed herewith.