Manus Is Normal

Action Follows Sensational Reports In Australian Press

THE sensational stories which were published in the Australian press in March, concerning an alleged Chinese uprising in Manus (New Guinea), appear to have had little basis in fact.

It was stated that 300 of the Chinese employed in dismantling ana packing US Navy stores and installations, had dug themselves in in a defensive perimeter, complete with machine-gun posts, tommy-gun, etc., and were defying the Australian Administration.

After this account had been published in Australian, a party left Port Moresby for Manus by air. The party consisted of Police Superintendent Grimshaw, three European police officers and 46 native police. They were equipped with rifles, tommy-guns, and 2,000 rounds of am munition.

On his return to Fort Moresby, some days later, Superintendent Grimshaw said that conditions on Manus were normal. Natives had made complaints against certain Chinese who allegedly had assaulted some native women. The Chinese had challenged the authority of Australian officials to interfere in the matter.

During his visit, Superintendent Grim shaw said, the Chinese had been as sembled in an identification parade. Two of them were subsequently arrested and charged with assaulting natives.