Memorandum.
Washington, May 3, 1893.
According to telegraphic advice just received from the foreign office at Berlin the president of the municipal council in Samoa, Baron Senfft von Pilsach, has applied for permission—which is to be communicated to him by telegraph—to leave Apia at once, on account of the illness of his wife.
The Imperial Government is prepared to grant his request, and at the same time to discharge him of his duties.
It will be remembered that Baron Senfft von Pilsach has repeatedly resigned his office.
If the United States Government agree to this procedure the Imperial Government would suggest that the three consuls of the treaty powers [Page 671] should meanwhile conjointly take charge of the office of the president of the municipality, while proposals for the appointment of another such official will be made shortly.
This legation begs to request an answer stating the view taken by the Department of State with regard to this question, and would request to be kindly informed if the United States consul in Apia will be instructed accordingly by telegraph.