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TONGA DECLARED A BRITISH
PROTECTORATE.
SYDNEY, AA'ednesday.
l'ongan news states that a conference be
tween Air. Basil Thomson, the British re
presentative, and the King and chiefs, was
concluded on the )7th May, when an agree
ment was signed by the King,, containing
the following clause: — '-'No treatv is to be
made and no agreement entered into with
any foreign power without trie consent of
the Queen of England or her Alajesty's re
presentative. In case of tlie l'ongan Go
vernment being in need of any assistance it
shall apply only to the British Government,
and not to any other power. European
magistrate or magistrates are to be appoint
ed.'' Air. Thomson read the proclamation
to the natives, and declared Tonga a British
protectorate, H.A1.S. Porpoise firing a salute
of 21 guns. No protectorate flag was raised,
and the salute ivas not replied to by the
l'ongan Government. The agreement does
not secure au actual protectorate unless in
the case of an attack by a foreign foe.
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