Samoan Politicians
p. 59 · Read in the full issue
Red Interest In West Samoan Politicians
From PlM’s Apia Correspondent
After a history of apparent indifference to political feeling within Western Samoa, Russia has seemingly decided that with independence Samoan politicians might be worth cultivating.
For the last three months each member of the Legislative Assembly, 46 in all, has been regularly receiving through the mail the weekly news bulletin of the Legation of the USSR in Wellington. This progaganda sheet gives the Russian slant on world events with extracts of speeches by Russian leaders, contains news of progress within Russia, and, of particular interest to Samoa, emphasises Russian concern for underdeveloped countries.
Earlier this year Prime Minister Mataafa (pictured), fearful of political implications, flatly denied any interest in aid from the Soviet. But if the development plan currently being drawn up with UN help does not come up to expectations there could be an expression of interest in closer relations with the Soviet by some Samoan politicians.