Talks Interestingly

French Judge From NH Talks Interestingly

WHEN the PIM, a few months ago, suggested that a greater re sponsibility should be given the South Pacific Commission, so that vital matters like defence could be dealt with on a common basis, some thoughtful men said they did not like the idea. They said that the SPC would serve its purpose best as it was —a body for research, co-ordination and recommendation.

However, here are the views of another distinguished man, M.

Phillippe Comte, French Judge in the New Hebrides Condominium,, who was interviewed by newspapers on arrival in Sydney on June 1.

Europeans in Pacific islands do not regard the nearness of Australia as defence protection, the Judge said.

“They think Australia would be hard put to it to defend herself, let alone the islands.” He advocated a federation of all European nations with possessions in the Pacific.

He said that such a based on the present South Pacific Commission, was the only way in j which the different policies and J economic set-ups in the South Seas ; could be integrated effectively.

“Just as the Western European i nations are getting together in an 1 over-all policy for joint protection,, defence and economic progress, so>< should the Pacific possessions re- linquish part of their national! sovereignty and form a federation, the Judge said.

Mr. E. K. Laws, recently Polices Superintendent in Kenya, has arrivedb in Suva, to take over the duties off Police Commissioner, in succession to Mr. I. E. Lucchinelli, who retiredb recently. Mr. Laws was accompanied!) by his wife and three children.