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It is clear, however, that all constitutional development in Western Samoa should not be held up for another two years. In the meantime it would be most difficult for Samoan leaders to accept any constitutional changes suggested by the New Zealand Government as long as they were kept in ignorance of the probable result of their petition to the United Nations. Acceptance of any New Zealand proposal might in their opinion preclude them from later claiming more generous terms if such were recommended by the Trusteeship Council. Refusal, on the other hand, particularly if it should become persistent, might indefinitely delay further progress and at the same time impair relationships between New Zealand and the inhabitants of Western Samoa. The New Zealand Government having repeatedly announced its willingness to give the most earnest consideration to the" Mission's findings, the Mission felt it their duty under these unusual circumstances to clarify the situation and facilitate direct contacts between New Zealand representatives and Samoan leaders by keeping both parties informed of the general trend of the Mission's thinking. This was done in informal meetings, and it is the Mission's hope that it was helped in this way toward the achievement of closer understanding and constructive progress between New Zealand and Western Samoa. Two days before the Mission's departure from Apia the New Zealand Government, in a statement in Parliament, outlined its plans for the new Government of Western Samoa (see Annex VIII). It is a matter of very great satisfaction to the Mission that these plans are so closely in line with the recommendations contained in this report. It is the ardent hope of the Mission that this programme will point the way to a bright future for Western Samoa and her people.