Some Time To Come'

Political Security 'For Some Time To Come'

The election earlier in 1964 of a House of Assembly basei on a common roll is generally admitted by most people to be th first step on the road to independence, and this matter has bee} discussed previously in this survey. The question of how lon, before independence is achieved is fairly widely debated, as ar the likely political effects on the European residents of th country.

THERE is, however, an apparent absence of any deep worry on this subject, and most private residents and businessmen appear to have adopted an attitude of “let tomorrow look after itself”.

Among native leaders, probably the most significant recent develop ment is the proposed formation of a 7,000-strong federation of workers’ associations under the presidency of Maneto Kuradal. The opening of the conference where this was launched was addressed by the Assistant Administrator, Dr, John Gunther. Other New Guinean leaders, Mr. John Guise and Sinake Gire gire have also achieved considerable prominence in the affairs of the new Parliament.

Perhaps the most interesting development as a pointer to the future is the suggestion made some time ago by Dr. Reuben Taureka that a Federation of the New Guinea Islands should be established. This suggestion envisages three separate

States of the Federation—Papua, present Trust Territory, and a S of West New Guinea.

It is understood that this prc sition has been discussed with na people from West New Guinea (] Indonesian) and that it has recei general support.

The suggestion regarding western part of the island is obvioi incompatible with the prei political situation but the gen proposition should not be dismi; too lightly.

For quite some foreseeable t however, the political security the country, as far as Europ residents and their investments concerned, appears safe. And, w independence comes, the gen feeling is that coexistence will be possible.