Pisani plan

Edgard Pisani, French President Mitterrand’s Special High Commissioner in New Caledonia, made his keenly awaited announcement of French policy on the future of the territory in Noumea on January 7.

An official summary of his speech said in part: “It is certain that the present situation, founded in history and in imbalances which have developed between races, cannot continue without putting gravely at risk the security and progress of part of the populations concerned. The first objective must be, through a pact concluded between the communities, to ensure respect of everybody’s interests, after having recognised the prime rights of the Melanesian people.”

To this end, Mr Pisani proposed: • A poll on self-determination to be held on July 1, 1985. • If the vote is favorable, New Caledonia will be “raised to the dignity of sovereign state” on January 1, 1986. “It will be a democratic and multi-racial state, entitled to join international organisations, among others of the South Pacific.” • Every individual will have his/her rights guaranteed by that state, whether the nationality of the new state or French nationality is chosen. • On land rights, conditions of the right of establish ment on the land “will be determined by contract”. • A special long-term regime will be set up for Noumea. • “The whole project cannot possibly be viable without the presence of France. Therefore, a treaty of association, in conformity with Article 88 of the French Constitution, will define the institutions common to both France and the new state, the distribution of powers, and the role of the French Delegate, representative of the President of the Republic . . .”

“Beyond the respect of internal guarantees, partic ularly as far as defence and security are concerned, the association will have to contribute to a national program of development based on natural resources and educa tion. Thus, Caledonia will, with the help of France, secure employment for its youth and firmly establish its regional role in the South Pacific.”

Mr Pisani was to spend the three weeks following his announcement in discussions with the different New Caledonian political groups, before reporting to Presi dent Mitterrand in Paris this month on the outcome.