Sub-committee

The Control Of

Papua

Federal Government Sub-committee

THE editor of the “PIM” wrote in July to the Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, and asked if it was possible to indicate when Civil Administration would be restored in Papua.

Mr. Halligan replied, courteously and promptly, that the position had not changed since his Minister issued the following statement on June 1: “The Ministerial Sub-committee which was appointed by Cabinet to deal with civil affairs in relation to the Territories of Papua and New Guinea and to consider plans for the rehabili tation and reconstruction of these Territories met in Canberra on June 1.

“The Minister for External Territories (Mr.

Ward) presented a report upon his recent visit to the Territories and preliminary consideration was given to a number of matters affecting the future of the Territories and the question of the re-introduction of Civil Administration.

“The sub-committee formed the opinion that the time is not yet opportune for the re-estab lishment of Civil Administration in any part of Papua or New Guinea: but the matter will be kept constantly under review by the committee, which will meet again when Full Cabinet holds its next series of meetings.”

The Cabinet sub-committee consists of the Minister for the Army (Mr. Forde), the Attorney-General (Dr. Evatt), the Treasurer (Mr. Chifley) and the Terri tories Minister (Mr. Ward).

The Prime Minister, on February 22, said that that sub-committee would “deal with all matters of civil administra tion” in both Territories, and that a Lieut.-Colonel Conlon should provide liai son between Army and Territories Depart ments. via sub-committee and Minister Ward.

For extent of liaison, co-operation and control, see article on page 10.