In the 1880s many Australians worried that German and French colonies in the Pacific region threatened Australia's future wealth and security. Fearful that Germany would colonise all of New Guinea, Queensland wanted to annex most of the islands in 1883. Britain would not allow this – as a colony Queensland was not free to colonise other territory for itself and it had a reputation for harsh, racist treatment of indigenous peoples. The German annexation of north-east New Guinea, however, prompted a response from Britain – tension in Australia was partially relieved with the annexation of British New Guinea in 1884.

The following is an excerpt from a memorandum, written in 1884, in which the Victorian Premier James Service expresses his grave concern to the Governor about the situation in the Pacific. As the Queen's representative in the colony, the Governor is reminded of Britain's responsibilities and failure to act up to this point.

Focus question
DeQ6 What does the Premier of Victoria want Britain to do?

GERMAN OCCUPATION IN NEW GUINEA AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC

Mr. Service begs to draw Your Excellency's serious attention to the attached clipping from a second edition of the Age newspaper of the 19th instant, headed "German Annexation in the Pacific;" also to a clipping from the Argus of the 20th idem on the same subject. ... The present position of matters is this:- That Australia is not allowed to act for herself, neither will the Imperial Government act for her; and meanwhile she has to stand by, and see territories, the possession of which she regards as essential to her safety and well-being, pass to another Power. As one who strongly cherishes the connexion of the Colonies with the Empire, Mr. Service cannot adequately express the feeling of disappointment which he entertains at the want of response by Her Majesty's Government to the aspirations of the colonies. … Mr. Service now submits to Your Excellency the evidence of the accompanying reports, which can be confirmed or disproved by the Commodore on the Australian station. Mr. Service now records the request, already verbally made, that Your Excellency will be pleased to telegraph the intelligence to the Secretary of State, with a request that steps may be at once authorized by telegraph to save to Australasia such of the neighbouring islands as are yet available.

7. Mr. Service further asks Your Excellency, to convey his strong protest, on behalf of the Colony of Victoria, against the inaction which gives an open invitation to Foreign Powers to come and take possession of lands in which no Power can be so much interested as the neighbouring and important communities of Australasia.

Memorandum for the Governor from James Service, Premier of Victoria, 20 December 1884, SLV, MS 10798, Box 960/5.

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