TRUSTEESHIP OF PACIFIC ISLANDS

Chronicle (Levin), 31 March 1947, Page 3

TRUSTEESHIP OF PACIFIC ISLANDS

, s i . '*Jm NEW YORK, Marcli 28. Australia today vvithdrew her objectious to the Uuited States iiroposal for au immediate strategic trusteeship over the former Japaucse maudated Pacilic islauds. Colouel Hodgson t.old the Security C'ouiicil that, "iu the intcrests of a uuanimous decisiou, " Australia would uot press her proposal to postpoue operatiou of the trusteeship until tlie Japauese 2)eace treaty was sigued. Australia uever inteuded to delay disposal of the islauds aud siinply wished to maiutaiu the vital principle that the hnal settlement with Japan should be approved by all the uatious wliich had eontributed to tlie overtlirow of Japau. As the Security Council was permitting the uatious which had fought Japau to state their views on tho Uuited States proposal, the council became, for the time being, a small replica of the conference of the -nations which would be entitled. to participate in the iinal settlement with Japan. His instructions were, in tliese circumstances, to support the American proposal. Sir Carl Berendsen, who, with the representatives of the Netherlands, In dia, Canada and the Bliilippines, was present by invitation, said tliat, whilc New Zealand fully supporled tlie American proposal, she considered thai the disposition of the Pacific Isiando was a question for the final peacy settlement with Japan, although hm country made no issue of the matter. Senator Warren Austin (UniteJ States) expressed appreciation of the Australian Government's goodwill and its "act of withdrawal, " which was ui the interests of peace and security. Australia 's .decisiou caine at a very apjiropriate time to maintain confidenee in Uuited Nations. After the representatives of India, Canada, the Netherlands and tlie Philippines had supported the Uuited States proposal, the council adjourned until April 2.