NEW GUINEA AND PAPUA

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 234, 30 June 1944, Page 5

NEW GUINEA AND PAPUA

Control Controversy (Received June 29, 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 29. “The hostility of Mr. Robson and a few others has been evident ever since it became clear that the Australian Government was determined on a policy to give just, treatment to all residents of the. Australian territories, including natives. ’ said the Ministerffor the External Territories, Mr. Ward, today. He was replying to comments made by the editor of the "Pacific Islands Monthly," Mr. R. W. Robson, who at the annual meeting of the Pacific Territories’ Association in 'Sydney this, week, proposed that the control of New Guinea and Papua should be handed over either to Great Britain or the United States. Mr. Ward said he was gratified that Mr. Robson’s proposal—made solely because he disagreed with domestic policy • —was overwhelmingly rejected by the meeting. "Strong exception is being takeu to the Government’s proposal to abandon the indentured native labour system as soon as possible and substitute more humane treatment of native labour." declared Mr. Ward. "This does not suit Mr. Robson or the financial interests he represents.’ The Minister added that the Commonwealth Government intended to carry out an extensive programme for development of the external territories. It recognized that to leave New Guinea in its present primitive state would endanger the future safety of Australia.