Why No Return To
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
Bsi?
Probably Due to Lack of Both Ships and War Damage Compensation
ALL except the most northern coasts of the British Solomons have been clear of Japs for a long time. The Territory, for many months, has been under what is practically civil adminis tration—although with a strong military flavour.
Therefore, there is bewilderment in places outside the Islands at the refusal of the authorities to allow civilians to re turn to their homes in the Solomons.
Planters, traders and missionaries are eager to go back; but only a very few have been allowed to go—and those under conditions which give little freedom to individuals or to enterprise.
The explanation probably will be found in the following note in a private letter from an experienced BSI official; “I think the return of civilians is held up until we can get a civil shipping and supply service; and also because the economic situation seems to be waiting on London for a decision. In the meantime, we are doing our best to get the natives back on to a sound basis, so that when production starts we can devote all our time to it.”
It must be remembered that a large part of the British Solomon islands were fought over very savagely in 1942-43, and the resulting extreme disruption of native life will need much repair. On the other hand, the return of experienced civilians would help, rather than hinder, thfe work of restoration.
There is much in that hint of a London decision, however. Britain, unlike Aus tralia, has done nothing as yet to assist rehabilitation of Pacific Islands residents.
Australians in Papua and New Guinea now are assured of substantial war dam age compensation; but the residents of the Solomons, where enormous damage was done by war, have had no promise of assistance of any kind. Until they get it, rehabilitation cannot very well be planned or attempted.
War has struck Britain’s colonies in many places; and discrimination is un likely. Britain cannot very well promise war damage compensation to the Soloiflbn Islands, and ignore the plight of former residents of Malaya or Hongkong. It may take some time to establish a principle and a plan.