Unknown Papua: Embargo Remains on Uncontrolled Areas

Unknown Papua

Embargo Remains on Uncontrolled Areas NO relaxation of the Government ordinance declaring the Tarifuroro Valley an uncontrolled area is likely because of the successful patrol carried out by Mr.

Ivan Champion, said the Papuan Government Secretary (Mr. Leonard Murray) in a statement published early in January.

He said the area was likely to remain closed until the Administration could establish permanent police posts, which would probably be within two years.

Champion’s patrol had not entered the Tarifuroro, where Mr. Jack Hides earlier had found a big population, and had encountered persistent hostility. It was considered essential to accustom the natives to the European viewpoint before introducing civilian parties.

The ordinance was made last July, following an announcement by Mr, Hides that he was organising a prospecting expedition into country he had passed through during his patrol. Access to the area was forbidden to all save natives or