Britain Still Rules Gilberts' Waves

As a gesture against the French nuclear tests at Mururoa atoll, the GEIC Government recently refused a request from a French vessel, conducting ar oceanographic survey off Ocean Island, to call at the island for water.

But the ship called and was supplied with water. The British Govern ment, which controls GElC’s foreign affairs, had overruled the colony i government, Isakala Paeniu, Minister for Natural Resources, protested if the House of Assembly in August.

The minister was moving a resolution condemning the tests and calling on the British Government to make “vigorous protests ” to France on GEIC. behalf.

Britain, the minister alleged, wanted to please France because she wcl renegotiating the terms of British entry into the Common Market and Franct was likely to be one EEC member that would oppose the new terms.

“You see, the British if they want to sell us, we the people of thest islands, like trade goods, they would do so,” said Isakala.

The resolution was approved and sent to the British Government, so far without reaction from London.