Socialistic Tiger?

Shall We Coo To The Socialistic Tiger?

Letter to the Editor IHAVE been informed that, at a meet ing of the Lae Citizens Progress Association a motion that a report of their activities be sent for publication in the “Pacific Islands Monthly” was turned down. The members are trying to cultivate the goodwill of the Minister.

Mr. Ward, and they were afraid that if they have anything to do with the “PIM,” they will find the Minister unfriendly..

May I suggest that you tone down your attacks on Mr. Ward, and help the New Guinea citizens to get a bit more con sideration from him.

I am, etc.,

Johnny Madang

New Guinea.

EDITORIAL NOTE: The Lae citizens were quite right. There is no call upon them to stick their necks out. Anyone who associates himself in any way With the “PIM” incurs the displeasure of the Minister and his followers, and they do not hesitate to use their power to punish those who offend them. This is the sort of thing that used to happen in Germany under Hitler, and that happens every hour in Russia under the Communists, and is typical of Totalitarianism every where. The little tin-pot dictators re sent criticism, and, whenever they get absolute power, they stamp out the free press.

In season and out, for several years, the “PIM” has fought for a better deal for the European settlers in New Guinea.

The interests of the Territories settlers are our first consideration. If we thought that, by remaining silent, we could assist those people, we should leave Mr. Ward and his myrmidons alone. But you cannot tame the Socialistic tiger by cooing to him. He will accept the cooing as his right, but that will not alter his natfire or his habits.

We wish the New Guinea citizens all the luck in the world in their meetings with Mr. Ward. But, whenever the occa sion demands, we shall tell all persons interested in Pacific affairs just what Mr.

Ward has done and is doing to the rich Territories of New Guinea and Papua.