It was a bloodless enterprise, the capture of Apia being effected at no more serious cost than that of the fracture of a small bone in a limb of one of the members of the expeditionary force, but the value of the occupation is not to be measured by the comparative modesty of the expenditure upon it.
The possession by Germany of Apia and of other strategic points in the Pacific has been a constant menace to the British dominions, and one of the fortunate issues of the war will probably be the transference of most, if not all, of these territories to Great Britain.
The proclamation of the sovereignty of the King at Apia, attended by all fitting ceremony, was apparently hailed with satisfaction by the natives who constitute the great majority of the residents. They had no great liking for the Germans, nor cause for any.
We hope they will speedily reason that the British rule offers liberty and justice to all who are subject to it.
For the present a garrison is being maintained in Samoa by the New Zealand force, since the possibility that the German squadron, which is still roaming the Pacific, may endeavour to recapture the possession cannot be wholly ignored.
It will be observed that the convoy, by which the troopships from New Zealand were escorted to Samoa, was considerably more than a match for any German cruisers which it might conceivably have encountered.
The whole of the plans for the expedition were, it will now be seen, skilfully conceived and effectively executed. The provision made for the conduct of the forces from the dominion was overwhelmingly ample.
The fact that this was so will be reassuring to those who are wondering what the nature will be of the convoy that will be provided for the ten troopships by which the main expeditionary force from New Zealand is to be transported to Great Britain.
The Secretary of State for the Colonies, in a cablegram to his Excellency the Governor, says that during the whole period of fighting the British casualties are estimated at 15,000 officers and men.
It is known that a very considerable number of missing are included in this total, and they will rejoin the colours safely. The losses, though heavy, have in nowise
affected the spirit of the troops. They do not amount to one-third of the losses inflicted by the British force upon the enemy, and the sacrifice required of the army has not been out of proportion to its military achievements.
The British army is now south of the River Marne, and is in line with the French forces on the right and left. Latest information is that the enemy are neglecting Paris, and marching south-east towards the Marne, and the French left and centre.
The German enveloping movement upon the Anglo-French left appears to have been abandoned, either because it is no longer practicable, or in favour of a direct attack on the Allied lines.
There is no doubt that our men have established a personal ascendancy over the Germans, and are conscious that, with anything like even numbers, the result would not be doubtful.
During a rearguard action on September 1 the Germans were seen giving assistance to our wounded.
It may be said that the war, so far, has added to the reputation of British arms, but we must have more men, so as to operate on a scale proportionate to the strength and power of the Empire.
- ODT, 8.9.1914.
