Micronesia Groups

Added To S. Pacific Commission

ON the initiative of the United States, the Trust Territory of Micronesia (Caroline. Marshall and Mariana Islands) has been added to the geographical scope of the South Pacific Commission, al though the Micronesian groups lie generally between 5 and 10 degrees north of the equator.

An agreement, embodying the change, was signed on November 7 by the representatives of the six nations which constitute the Com mission, and who were then in session in Noumea.

The change embodies plain com monsense in a way seldom seen in such governmental organisations.

The three Micronesian groups, al though slightly north of the equator, have exactly the same problems of administration, health, education, food, and communica tions as are found in the 15 groups which lie between New Guinea and the Marquesas, south of the equator; and they will benefit much from this contact with the SPC.

An important aspect is that it substantially increases American interest and responsibility. Hitherto, America’s only interest in the South Pacific Commision was through the small Territory of East Samoa Mr. James P. Shortall, of Auck land, N.Z., has joined the Sydney staff of the Pacific Islands Monthly.

As a radio officer, Mr. Shortall has travelled extensively in the Islands, especially in Polynesia, and he has been a prolific writer on Islands subjects.