Are They to Be

Forgotten Men?

Papua's Pre-1942 Volunteers

Letter to the Editor WHY all. this talk of ANGAU and its future?

It seems to me that, as far as the Ter ritory of Papua is concerned, if and when the Civil Administration, under Leonard Murray, is re-established, that all the men of ANGAU who were not in the former Government before 1942 should not be considered until all former mem bers of the Service are placed in the higher positions.

What of the men who volunteered and were away at the war before the conscrip tion (no other word will do) of early 1942?

And also what of the many fine non- Government residents of the Territory men with years of experience in dealing with natives—perhaps some of them will want the security of a good job in the Gpvernment? What little of native ad ministration these volunteers have missed is more than amply offset by their service abroad. Up to date, everybody is worry ing about what will happen to planters and other ex-residents of the Territory, but, so far, I have not heard anyone raise his voice championing the cause of Ter ritorial in the Navy, AIF and RAAF I hope these volunteers do not become a Legion of Forgotten Men.” a these men are senior to ANGAU personnel, who have had. as it were, “greatness thrust upon them.”

When the volunteers (first preference) and the- volunteer ex-residents who hap pened not to be in the Government (sec ond preference), followed by the Service me? m I AI JGAU, are suitably placed, then and only then, will it be time to appoint

outsiders. No doubt, owing to the many retirements, there, will be some vacancies and I feel sure that Leonard Murray, with experience in judging and con trolling staff, will be able to sort out all comers and satisfactorily work out his luture staff. The men on whose behalf I am writ;ng this will, fortunately, not have to unlearn the bad habits of Army waste and Army over-staffing, such as now exists in ANGAU.

WHAT we will do with Papua after the war will be largely dependent on the generosity of the particular political party in power then, and such parties as come along later. It is very easy now to talk glibly of super-education and a “New Deal for the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.” Talk .if cheap. When education and action have to be paid for it will be a very dif ferent story! I have read my Kipling, and it is to be hoped that the “chuck “im out the brute 1 ’ attitude towards the ex-‘ saviour of his country” will apply neither to the best of our men—the up to-date forgotten volunteers—or to the natives themselves. ANGAU is only a fleeting shadow with no real substance. , and should be forgotten the day Civil Government resumes. At the best.

ANGAU is only a temporary expedient.

I am, etc.,

Papua.

Onlooker.

Nov. 14, 1944.