Cynical!

Fiji's Attitude Towards S. Pacific Conference

From a Special Correspondent SUVA, April 10.

THE general attitude of the Europeans in Fiji towards the first South Pacific Conference, which is to open here on April 25, is one of cynicism and indifference.

“I can see much possible good in a conference of Polynesian races, or in a conference, perhaps, of Melanesian races,” said one observer here to-day. ‘‘But I cannot see how a conference of Polynesians and Melanesians can achieve anything or get together on any subject.

They are centuries apart.”

So far as Fiji is concerned, I think that the Governor made a blunder when he insisted that an Indian delegate should attend this Conference of native peoples.

The Indians did not want a delegate; the Fijians certainly did not want an Indian speaking for Fiji; and Europeans, as the third and most important com munity in Fiji, naturally resent being ignored—although they would have been quite happy about an all-Fijian delega tion.

To be logical and consistent, there should be a Chinese delegate from New Guinea and another Chinese delegate

from Tahiti. In principle, those Asiatic communities are just as important in these Territories as are the Indians in Fiji.

All progress in the Pacific up to date nas taken place under European guidance and stimulus, A group of people com pletely inexperienced in international af fairs are not going to produce anything monumental by just sitting around a table for a couple of weeks.

However, I am keeping an open mind and, if something really worthwhile does come out of the South Pacific Conference, none will be better pleased than the people of Suva.