When Junk Becomes

A National Heritage

World War II aircraft, once so much junk in the jungles and along the coasts of Papua New Guinea, are suddenly big value or so the PNG Government believes.

The Government decided in March to declare the wrecks and other wartime relics, including guns and tanks, as part of the country’s national heritage.

Tough guidelines were issued by the Finance Minister, Mr Julius Chan, on the conditions which are to apply to any future removal of war relics.

But collectors and agents fear that the ban has come too late. They agree that some good exhibits could still be built out of what is left in some places, but the stringent requirements now being applied may stifle any further attempts to recover and restore relics.

Under the new control arrangements official permission will be needed for any attempt to move a war relic. The views of local people in the area will be sought before permission is granted. One in every three aircraft or other relics taken out of the country will have to be restored free of charge and returned within two years to PNG. All costs involved, including freight out of the country and return, will have to be paid by the person or group involved. A security bond will also be required between the time of salvage and return of the relic.