Papuans Speak

Plainly

To Mr. Ward

And Mr. Ward Does Not Like it Much

DEFERENCE has been made on page 13, this issue, to the Papuan Association of Brisbane. Just on going to press we have received the full text of their letter to Mr. E. J.

Ward , Minister for External Terri tories. This letter (from the secretary of the Association, Mr. A. L. Ethell ) is printed hereunder, and Mr. Ward's

reply to it follows.

FO R over three years (says the Association to Mr. Ward) those people who comprised the civilian population of Papua and the Mandated Territory have, through no wish of their own, been resident in Australia and daily are becoming more impatient to return to what may be left of their homes in the Territories.

It is only to be expected that the re sidents of the Mandated Territory will not be allowed to go back while there is any possibility of the enemy carrying out even minor operations; but we of Papua feel that it is high time some indication was given to us, seeing that it is over two years since organised Japanese resistance was eliminated at Buna.

As secretary of the Papuan Association, Brisbane, I have been instructed by our Committee to address you direct upon many matters which directly affect those unfortunate people who have lost their all, either through enemy action or by the indiscriminate looting of our own troops.

For many months we have waited patiently for some lead or for some in dication that Canberra is really interested in our affairs; we have listened with a great deal of tolerance to statements by uninformed people on what shall and shall not be done with Papua and the Papuan natives. And we who know Papua can see the writing on the wall, and realise that unless some drastic measures are adopted by those in authority there will be a great deal of interference in Papuan affairs by the many bodies which are growing in Australia, and which unfor tunately find a sympathetic hearing for their propaganda and inaccurate public statements.

We trust that you will give this Association some assurance that the Trade Unions and other similar bodies will not be permitted to meddle in the affairs of the Territory.

A QUESTION that is foremost in the minds of all evacuees at present in Australia, and those Territorians at present in ANGAU is “when will civil administration resume and when will civilians in general be permitted to re turn?”

We understand that for over twelve months “the matter of the restoration of civil administration to Papua has been under constant review, and consideration, by a special sub-Committee of Cabinet Ministers,” but it appears that even after twelve months they are still unable to arrive at any decision. May I have the temerity to inquire whether these gentle men have yet made up their minds to allow Papua’s thousand-odd evacuees to return?

Closely allied to the ever-present ques tion of a resumption of civil life in Papua

is the manner in which we will go back.

From what we know to date, we under stand that Government personnel will be the first to return, followed by private business people; and, finally, our wives.

WE realise that there must of necessity be some good reason (security) for not giving detailed information; but we would like to place before you for your consideration the following points: I—We contend that wives of those officers of the Government and business people should be allowed to accompany their husbands to Papua when civil administration is restored. It will be most difficult, with the high cost of living, both in Australia and Papua, to maintain two homes on only an average income. If a Government officer has to keep himself

in Port Moresby, and a wife and family in Australia, on an income of £35 to £4O per month, he will be bankrupt within six months.

Another big factor which is worthy of very serious thought is the matter of housing. Most Territorians have their own homes in Papua, and live in rented premises in Australia. In Brisbane, alone, at least one hundred houses will become vacant if we are permitted to return as complete families. 2. —As a matter of interest, is it the policy of the Commonwealth Government to keep Mandated Territory residents out of their homes for at least two years after the Japs have been cleared out of Rabaul? 3. —ln the Customs House in Brisbane (it is reported) are hundreds of soldier’s parcels ex-Darwin and Port Moresby, presumably containing loot from those capitals. Will it be possible for Terri torians to have access to these parcels with a view to identifying any of their personal belongings. 4. —lt is considered that as the Papuan evacuees have for the past three years been residing in Australia against their will and wish, and have been forced to pay high rents for accommodation whilst awaiting a decision by the Papuan sub committee in Canberra, it would be reasonable to suggest that all money they have been forced to pay as rent might be classed as untaxable income, and the tax which has already been computed on money paid out in rent, be refunded to the evacuees before they return to Papua. 5. —We would further appreciate some indication as to what arrangements are being made for the payment of war dam age and when? We understand that looting has now been classed as war dam age, and that some day we may anticipate payment for those possessions of ours which were illegally acquired by our armed forces. It would be of great

assistance to many, if at least 75 per cent, of each individual claim could be paid prior to our return, as this would in many cases save undue financial em-

barrassment. .

6.—A further matter which is agitating the minds of Papuan evacuees is the question of fares and freight. It is considered that as Papuan residents were bundled out unceremoniously, were unable to bring away more than a handful of personal belongings and subsequently lost all their possessions through looting, it is only reasonable to suggest that the cost of their fares and freight on ail cargo will be met by the Commonwealth Government.

THESE are questions immediately affecting Papuan evacuees in Brisbane, and no doubt in other parts of Austraha as well; and the Brisbane Association would welcome some reply to these Queries.

Finally, public statements by yourself and a perusal of your circular concerning the establishment of a school at Canberra for the purpose of training Army per sonnel and civilians in tropical adminis tration, indicates that officers of the Papuan Service will, upon the resumption 0 f civil administration, “resume duty in the positions they occupied in February, 1942.” , , . .. , fbncl 18 J? he ,/* uest4on . whether StT°?? ers ~. m the administration °? ( ;? rs have retired, °f. we ° f Service will take ™ ll S due ’ a " d 4he new F ln ,9 n th , e . gr P u . nd Jt is felt that an attempt is being made to shoulder-over the “Murray Men,” and re place them with new blood, May we anticipate a reply to this letter in order that I may pass on the inf or mation to members at the general meeting on 6th February.

Minister Complains of “Discourtesy"

That is the end of the letter written to Mr. Ward on January 18 by Mr. A. L.

Ethell, secretary of the Association, Mr. Ward’s reply is dated February 7: Dear Mr, Ethell, —Since receiving your communication of 16th ultimo. I have considered whether I should reply to you in very much detail, but in view of its generally discourteous terms, I have decided not to do so.

I have no knowledge of how many ex residents of Papua your organisation covers, but I think it would be to their advantage if they were to secure the ser vices of a secretary who knew how to present a case without so clearly display ing his personal spleen against a Govern ment whose political colour evidently does not please him.

Regarding your request that Trade Unions and other similar bodies be pre vented from meddling in the affairs of

the Territory, I have the following to say: Whilst you do not make it clear what you regard as “meddling,” I want to assure you that I am quite certain that the Trade Unions have assisted and co operated with this Government very greatly in the many difficulties with which it has been confronted. They have no desire to do otherwise in the future, I am sure.

If any matters concerning the adminis tration of this Department arise, upon which your organisation or any other organisation desires information, and they are presented in a proper manner, they will be promptly attended to.

Yours sincerely,

E. J. Ward

Minister for Transport and External Territories.