Solomons

Return To The

Restrictions Relaxed —But No

Transport

WE have received several anxious inquiries about conditions in the British Solomon Islands. Former residents, especially, wish to know when they will be allowed to return to their homes. Traders, also, are anxiously seek ing information. In response to our request for some guidance, the High Com missioner for the Western Pacific, Sir Alexander Grantham, very courteously sent us the following statement: SUVA, Sept. 11.

In reply to your Inquiry about the return of civilians to the Solomons, the position now is that the South Pacific Command has relaxed military restric tions on the entry and residence of such civilians, subject to its being clearly understood that the United States forces are unable to furnish any transport, housing or supplies to or in the Protec torate.

A serious obstacle to any general return of civilians is the present scarcity of ship ping for transport and supply purposes; and, until the position in this respect becomes more normal, it will be necessary to maintain restrictions on entry and residence imposed by Entry and Resi dence (Permits) Regulation, 1944 —Special Regulation 1 of 1944. (In other words, persons wishing to go to the Solomons must first apply for a permit.) It should be noted that all applications for permits to enter into or reside in the British Solomons, and correspondence in connection therewith, should from now henceforth be addressed fo the Resident Commissioner, British Solomon Islands.

Solomon Is. Sydney Office

is Closed

CONSEQUENT upon the return of the Treasury staff and records to the Protectorate, the offices of the Bri tish Solomon Islands Government, at 17 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, were closed as from September 1, 1945. They were opened after the invasion, in 1942.

After that date, the Protectorate Gov ernment Agents, Burns Philp & Co., Ltd., Island Agencies Department, 7 Bridge Street, Sydney, transacts all BSI business in connection with shipping, stores, receipts and payments of accounts, pen sions, allotments, etc.