"Masinga Lo"

Anti-British Native Movement Is Sweeping Over Solomons

AN anti-European, independence move ment has swept over Malaita, and is affecting the natives in Guadal canal and San Cristoval, in the British Solomon Islands. The movement is so strong that it is causing anxiety. About 40,000 natives nearly half the total popu lation in the Solomons, live on Malaita.

The movement started at the southern end of Malaita about three years ago.

Some believe that Communists among the United States forces instigated it. Very large numbers of Americans passed through the Solomons, and their general attitude was anti-British Imperialism.

The movement is not anti-Christian, but it is definitely anti-British. The natives insist that they shall be freed from British administration, and govern themselves. , „ The movement is called “Masinga Lo —believed to be native pronunciation of “Marxist Law.” Both Christian and heathen communities are behind it. Its followers are quite unfriendly even aggressive to white strangers generally.

The head of Masinga Lo is a Mission educated native, a former Government chief, called Timothy George. He signs his decrees “Timothy George, Rex” which has not got exactly a Communistic touch.

All natives are being practically com pelled to join Masinga Lo. One promi nent native who lived near the Admin istration station on Malaita would not join, and he was savagely attacked. He was rescued, after a sharp fight, by District Officer Foster and his native police, and 40 of the aggressors were arrested and gaoled. The strength and tact being displayed in an ugly situation, by DO Foster, a young Englishman, are warmly praised.

The speed with which the movement, having conquered Malaita, is spreading in adjoining islands, is disconcerting.

No attempt has been made to reestab lish the BSI planting industry, and there are very few Europeans in the group now.

There are no stores not even Chinese traders. Most of the Chinese have de parted.

Some observers say that the High Com missioner for the Western Pacific should make up his mind about the Solomons.

If the European planters and traders are

not to be encouraged to return, the con tinued occupation of the Group by the British is only a useless expense. It might as well be handed over to Masinga Lo, and the rule of Timothy George, Rex.