Seventh State

'Out ', He Says

From an AAP-Reuter Correspondent in Port Moresby No pressure existed in Papua- New Guinea at present for radical political changes the Ad ministrator, Sir Donald Cleland said on May 1. The political future of the territory was “good and solid” and he was confident the transition to eventual inde pendence would be smooth and

regular.

AT an informal Press conference at Government House, called to discuss his retirement, he made one of his frankest statements ever on the future of P-NG.

Sir Donald said that one of the great things yet to be developed in P-NG was a national conscience and outlook. This would be very gradual.

"No Pressures"

Asked whether there was any strong international pressure for early independence, Sir Donald replied “none exists”.

Sir Donald said eventually there would be a smooth transition to self government or independence. He said “the idea of P-NG becoming a 7th state of Australia is completely impractical both from the point of view of the Australian people and also for P-NG.

“But they (the territory people) must seek their own solution in their own time. I am perfectly sure that when this time comes they will remain in close association with Australia, either by treaty or by agreement,” he said.

"One Country Now"

Sir Donald said he felt P-NG would gain its independence first and work out its future association with Australia from there.

Sir Donald said the geographical boundary between Papua and New Guinea meant nothing today. The different peoples had learned to live together and a national feeling gradually was growing up.

“The political development over the past 15 years has been outstand ing,” he said.

There was every prospect m the

long term of intensive economic development in the territory, provided plans outlined in the World Bank report were followed. But he said it would be a considerable number of years before the territory would be economically viable.

Sir Donald said in every year of his 15 years in the territory there had been rewarding results in all spheres of administration and private enterprise. He had received the fullest loyalty and support from a very efficient staff.

But most important of all was the help and support he had received in all these from his wife, Lady Rachel Cleland. Sir Donald said he and Lady Cleland would take a six months’ overseas trip early next year, then build their own house in Port Moresby, overlooking Ela Beach.

“Our two sons and their children live here and we all like the territory and its people,” Sir Donald added.