Australia's Future

Status In P-Ng

It is being rumoured in circles closi to Australian Federal politics that tH Australian Cabinet has recently dt cided to give Papua-New Guinea set; government within five years— whether P-NG wants it or not.

The reasons for this decision ai£ believed to be (a) foreign pressun and (b) the presence of Indonesia West New Guinea —and most peopq would be inclined to view (b) as reason why Australia should stay P-NG and why the natives should wii it so.

Territories Minister Hasluck an Deputy Leader of the Federal CC position Whitlam were both touriii P-NG at end of January. Mr. Hasluj said in Port Moresby that the Goven ment was concerned with encouragiii outside investment —without a viab economy P-NG self-government wou be a "sham". Territorians, of courn have been saying the same thing t years.