Manus, America, and Australia
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
Australia
rE Australian Minister for External Affairs (Dr. Evatt) stated on May 7, that he had discussions recently with the American authorities for the purpose of expediting negotiations dealing with the use of Manus Island by the Americans as part of their defence system in the South-West Pacific area.
Dr. Evatt said that while he agreed that negotiations had been protracted he expected to be able to make a statement shortly on the matter.
EDITORIAL NOTE. —This is a change in the Australian tune. Previously, Aus tralia has stated that Manus, being part of an Australian territory, is an Aus tralian affair. She said she was not pre pared to hand over to America—although American money and genius built the enormous base, and Australia wants all the protection she can get against Asia, and Australia is not herself strong enough to make use of the base.