Procedural Clash
p. 23 · Read in the full issue
In W. Samoa
APIA, April 3.
As at this date, it is apparent that there is a sharp clash on procedure between members of the United Nations Mission, making plans to change Western Samoa from Trustee ship to self-government, and the Samoan leaders who are in consulta tion with them.
The UN spokesmen (especially Mr.
Lall and Sir Andrew Cohen) insist that the Charter must be adhered to, and the Charter says a Trust Terri tory must progress to self-government or independence in accordance “with the freely expressed will of the people”. They argue that this called for a plebiscite of the people.
The Samoan leaders, on the other hand, insist that procedure shall be in accordance with Samoan custom and tradition: and that means that the people can express their will only through the heads of their family groups (that is, the “matal” system).
The point becomes important be cause of fears of the Europeans and part-Europeans concerning their per sonal and property rights under the new Constitution; and they are not subject to the “matai” system.