Possible Changes In Spc

From a Special Correspondent in Noumea Plans to build up the effectiveness of the South Pacific Commission are being examined by member Governments. The proposals stem partly from the desire to admit Western Samoa, now an independent nation, into full membership of the Commission. This is a natural development from Western Samoa’s former role as a beneficiary under New Zealand administration.

Western Samoa will, of course, continue to receive the benefits of the SPC’s advice, but will be able to play a more significant part as one of the principals of the agreement.

Another reason for the new planning is the fact that five years have passed since the operation of the Commission has been fully reviewed. (See “PIM” May, p. 69.) Information reaching Noumea suggests that although Western Samoa s membership of the Commission is likely to be discussed at the South Pacific Conference to take place at Pago Pago in July, planning may not be sufficiently advanced for a formal announcement then. Some officials believe planning will not be complete until the normal meeting of the SPC next October.

Basically, the plan provides for a stepping up of the Commission’s three-pronged attack on the problems of health, education and poverty.

This will involve a substantial increase in the funds available to the Commission, and any such programme on an inter-governmental level is bound to require several months of negotiation before concrete pro posals can be set on a conference agenda.