on independence
p. 109 · Read in the full issue
Tahitians 'silent' on independence
Two French parliamentary missions visited Tahiti in late
January and early February to
investigate possible constitutional
and economic developments.
After a week of meetings with leaders and citizens of all political colours, the leader of the con stitutional mission, Mr. Delachenal, told a Press conference that he was pleased to say, on behalf of himself and colleagues, that “no one has expressed a wish for independence”.
“The differences of opinion on your political future seem to me more formal than real,” he went on.
“A solution can be found that will satisfy legitimate aspirations within a French framework.
“Such a solution is desirable for France as you have been linked with it for many years; it is also desirable for French Polynesia, whose future would be difficult if it went it alone.”
Mr. Delachenal added that before French Polynesia could be given a new constitution, the Territorial Assembly had to submit a proposal to the French Parliament. This had not yet been done.