Martial Law

Territories Now Under Martial Law

MARTIAL law was declared in the territories of Papua and New Guinea on February 12.

Major-General B. M. Morris, commanding officer of the Eighth Military District, which comprises Papua and New Guinea, has complete control of these territories, with power over civilians as well as members of the forces.

He may, in the words of the regula tions, “cause or direct to be done any act or thing which he thinks necessary for the purpose of meeting any emer gency arising out of the war or for the purpose of providing defence.”

The only exception made is a provision for the courts to continue functioning.

It was announced on February 14 that the whole administrative machinery of the two territories had passed into the hands of the military, under Major- General Morris, and that the Adminis trator of Papua (Hon. Leonard Murray) was proceeding to Australia.