That stalemate in Noumea

Conspicuous by its absence at the South Pacific Forum was formal dis cussion on the stalemate over selec tion of a new secretary-general for the South Pacific Commission. There was merely some behind-the-scenes lobbying in preparation for the final vote on the issue, which should take place at the October meeting of the SPC in Noumea unless either candi date withdraws in the meantime.

The choice is between Mr. Fred Betham, 56, of Apia, former Finance Minister of Western Samoa, and Oala-Rarua, 37, of Port Moresby, present Assistant Ministerial Mem ber for the PNG Treasury.

Under present SPC voting rules (which provide for multiple votes) a successful candidate must have a two-thirds majority. The current un precedented stalemate was reached at a postal ballot in June which re

suited in Oala receiving 13 votes and Betham 10. As the ballot was secret, there has been great conjecture as to the line-up, but here in fact is how they voted; For Oala—Australia, the US, the UK and Nauru.

For Betham New Zealand, France, Western Samoa and Fiji.

Ratu Mara, of Fiji, is particularly peeved at the stalemate, and wants to see Australia withdraw her can didate. Oala has said he won’t with draw. Australia is feeling pretty un comfortable because she under stands the justice of the criticism by the mini-states of her having five votes, which is more than anybody.

To end the stalemate, presumably somebody will need to switch votes, and my guess is that the US will start the swing to Betham.