Important Decisions Soon

New Minister For

Territories

AUSTRALIA’S new Minister for Exter nal Territories, who is also Minister for External Affairs, had planned a quick trip to Papua and New Guinea be tween his return from the Colombo Conference at the end of January, and the assembling of the Commonwealth Parliament, on February 22. He was so deeply immersed in External Affairs, on his return home, however, that the visit had to be postponed.

Mr, Spender now hopes to make a quick visit to the chief centres of Papua and New Guinea early in April—during the Easter recess of the Commonwealth Par liament.

Meanwhile, the Minister is dealing almost daily with Territories affairs. He is not acting hastily—already, he has called for and received some detailed re ports concerning conditions in New Guinea.

An unofficial conference between the Minister, the Administrator (Colonel Jack Murray) and high External Terri tories officials will begin in Canberra soon after Parliament meets on February 22. Important decisions will be taken then.

It appears likely, however, that one or two matters of importance to the Terri tories will be dealt with by the Minister before then, and announcements made through the press.

The Minister has intimated that he is deeply concerned about conditions in New Guinea, and wishes to make reforms, where necessary, as soon as possible.

An announcement regarding the ap pointment of Parliamentary Under secretaries (actually, junior Ministers) is expected at any moment. Mr. Paul Hasluck probably will be External Affairs Under-Secretary; but this does not neces sarily mean that he will be also Under secretary for External Territories. Mr.

Spender will, however, be assisted in External Territories by an Under secretary.