252 AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC QUESTIONS 



into an " entangling alliance " with foreign powers that at 

 once involved it in foreign political affairs that concerned it 

 the very least. 



In substance the General Act of Berlin provides as fol- 

 lows : 



ARTICLE I 



A declaration respecting the independence and neutrality of the 

 islands of /Samoa, and assuring to the respective citizens and subjects 

 of the signatory powers equality of rights in said islands, and pro- 

 viding for the immediate restoration of peace and order therein. 



It is declared that the islands of Samoa are neutral territory, 

 in which the citizens and subjects of the three signatory powers 

 have equal rights of residence, trade, and personal protection. 

 The three powers recognize the independence of the Samoan 

 Government and the free right of the natives to elect their chief 

 or king and choose their form of government according to their 

 own laws and customs. Neither of the powers shall exercise any 

 separate control over the islands or the government thereof. 



It is further declared, with a view to the prompt restoration 

 of peace and good order in the said islands, and in view of the 

 difficulties which would surround an election in the present dis- 

 ordered condition of their government, that Malietoa Laupepa, who 

 was formally made and appointed king, on the 12th day of July, 

 1881, and was so recognized by the three powers, shall again be 

 so recognized hereafter in the exercise of such authority unless 

 the three powers shall by common accord otherwise declare; and 

 his successor shall be duly elected according to the- laws and 

 customs of Samoa. 



ARTICLE II 



A declaration respecting the modification of existing treaties and 

 the absent of the Samoan Government to this act. 



ARTICLE III 



A declaration respecting the establishment of a supreme court of 

 justice for Samoa and defining its jurisdiction. 



Section 1. A supreme court shall be established in Samoa, 

 to consist of one judge, who shall be styled chief justice of 

 Samoa, and who shall appoint a clerk and a marshal of the 

 court. . 



