Jew Settlers For

N. Guinea

Interesting Plan Beginning to

Take Shape

r;E plan to found, on the high central tablelands of New Guinea, a Euro pean colony which will comprise largely Jewish refugees from Germany, Austria and Italy, is steadily taking shape.

The suggestion was made, first, in the December issue of the “Pacific Islands Monthly” Men who know New Guinea thought the idea worth pursuing, and inquiries were made. As a result, the proposal was brought under the notice

of the Jewish Welfare Society of Aus tralia, and of other organisations inter ested in helping the Jews.

In January and February, inquiries were made to ascertain the attitude of the Commonwealth Government and the New Guinea Administration; and it was found that neither was unfavourable to the idea, providing that a number of obvious difficulties could be overcome.

It was pointed out, for instance, that Australia was opposed to group settle ments of foreigners: but it was decided that this need not apply to New Guinea.

It also is apparent that native rights must be protected; and there is a large native population in the region under consideration. There is an enormous area available for European settlement, however, after all possible native re quirements have been provided for.

Early in February, there were inter views between the Minister in charge of Territories (Mr, Harrison) and represen tatives of the Jewish organisations; and it was indicated that, if the latter pre sented a sound plan for Jewish settle ment in New Guinea it would receive the friendly consideration of the Common wealth Government. The matter has now been referred to Jewish organisations overseas.

If the Jewish bodies decide to go on with the plan, they first of all will make a very thorough investigation of the re gion suggested, and satisfy themselves that it is a suitable place for a Euro pean colony, of the scale and type sug gested.

The plan, from Australia’s viewpoint, has much to recommend it. Because their possession is a vital part of Aus

tralia’s defence plan, and because of the probability of oil being discovered there.

New Guinea and Papua must remain un der Australian control. That means that there must be a lot more European set tlement in both Territories. Australia cannot effectively colonise the two Ter ritories: therefore, a plan to introduce some thousands of . European settlers, on an organised basis, is worthy of Aus tralia’s most serious consideration. Fin ally, there is the important matter of finance. Settlement of a primitive country, without roads, bridges, or pub lic facilities of any kind, calls for heavy initial expenditure. It is understood that the Jewish organisations, if they can find a country suitable for develop ment, are prepared to spend millions of pounds in assisting settlers to become established. There, ready made, is a solution of the problem of finance: Aus tralia to provide communications, etc.,

and the Jewish bodies to finance the settlers.

Value of New Hebrides In

Defence Plan

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Vila, Jan. 24.

THE suggestion in the “P.I.M.”, that Australia should assist her defence scheme by encouraging the settle ment of Jewish colonies in New Guinea and New Hebrides, has aroused some interest here.

It can be emphasised that the soil of most of the islands of the New Heb rides is extremely rich. All kihds of vegetables, including potatoes, can be grown here, with a minimum of trouble,, the whole year round. Maize also grows; very well.

It is surprising, indeed, that Britain

The Central New Guinea Tablelands lie in the area north-west of the Bulolo goldfield, embrac ing all the region around the headwaters of the Ramu and Purari Rivers, right across to the headwaters of the Sepik River.

and Australia have not shown more in terest in the development of these rich and beautiful islands. There are many landless sons of Australian farmers who would be glad to exploit the opportuni ties here, did they but know of them.

From the point of view of the defence

of Australia, the New Hebrides group has many fine, land-locked harbours, and —of great importance in these days —some fine lagoons, that would make perfect seaplane bases. The Erakor La goon, near Vila, would be unsurpassed for the latter purpose. It is a fine strip of water, running 5 miles inland, and varies in width from 200 yards to half a mile.

Mr. W. Swindells, who was a resident in the goldfields section of New Guinea for some time, is now on the staff of Bremang Gold Dredging Cos., Insu, Gold Coast Colony, British West Africa.

M. Wanthiez, teacher at La Perouse College, New Caledonia, sailed from Noumea for Marseilles, France, by the “Commissaire Ramel” on February 11.