UNO Trusteeship for
p. 29 · Read in the full issue
W. Samoa But New Zealand Expects to Continue to Administer the Territory.
From Our Own Correspondent
Apia, Feb. 2.
rE recent decision of the New Zea land Government to place the Man dated Territory of Western Samoa under the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations has been much publicised in New Zealand.
This step is considered here in Wes tern Samoa to be a guarantee to the Samoans of ultimate self-government and independence.
It might also be said to signify the faith of the present New Zealand Gov ernment in the United Nations Organi sation; and their belief that the Territory will most certainly continue to be ad ministered by New Zealand under the New Trusteeship Council.
Under the new system it is believed that the Council will have the right to inspect any of the territories under its jurisdiction and to call for reports on specific subjects. Native peoples ad ministered under trusteeship will also have the right to appeal to the Council.
As far as the Samoans are concerned, they will have no serious objection to continue to be administered by New Zealand. It is believed that this will ensure a far greater share in the govern ment of the country in the shortest pos sible time.
Complaints of the Samoans are be lieved to have borne fruit in New Zea
land and it is expected that certain changes in political, social and economic policy will be put into effect after the arrival of the new Administrator in March.
The retiring Administrator, Sir Alfred Turnbull, who has guided the Territory through great difficulties in the past 10 years, leaves here at a time when the Samoans are happy and prosperous. This fortunate state of affairs should contri bute greatly to the solution of any out standing political differences with which his successor may be faced.
Sir Alfred and Lady Turnbull will leave Apia on February 20 for New Zea land, where he will attend an investiture in which he will receive the KBE awarded him in the New Year Honours.
At present the approaching departure of the Turnbulls is being made the occa sion for numerous farewell functions.