PNG, Solomons

NH official visits PNG, Solomons

One of the most significant events during my week in Port- Vila was the press conference given on July 3 by Barak Sope, secretary to the New Hebrides Government, just after his re turn from Port Moresby (where he represented the government at the South Pacific Festival of Arts), and Honiara, capital of Solomon Islands.

Mr Sope gave the impression he was delighted with his re ception in the two Melanesian capitals.

First of all both governments and he had spoken directly with the two prime ministers, Sir Julius Chan and Peter

Kenilorea had expressed strong support for the legit imacy of the elected govern ment of the New Hebrides, and for July 30 as the date of independence.

But, the two PMs said, while not supporting a unilateral de claration of independence, and regarding such an event as undesirable, they would under stand that if such an event occurred, it would be the res ponsibility of Britain and France.

They would therefore be pre pared to recognise an indepen dent New Hebrides which came into being in such a way.