LIBYA’S FUTURE

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25954, 7 November 1949, Page 7

LIBYA’S FUTURE

NEW ZEALAND’S VIEW STATED U.N. COMMITTEE DEBATES RECOMMENDATIONS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 5. Sir Carl Berendsen (New Zealand) told the United Nations Political Committee that although a united Libya would be the best solution of the problem it would be “quite improper” to attempt to impose upon the people of Libya or the three Libyan provinces a unity which they might not desire. Sir Carl Berendsen was speaking on the recommendations by the rub-com-mittee set up to consider the future of the former Italian colonies. “In our view the Assembly should assist, not insist,” said Sir Carl Berendsen. In a tribute to Britain, he said: “Were it not for sacrifices for which at this moment that great country is paying such a big price economically, these particular territories would probably not be available for disposal.” He added that the proposed United Nations commissioner and council to aid and advise in the attainment of Libyan independence would make more difficult the task of the administering authority in running the territory. He referred to them is “backseat drivers,” and added that the tatek of holding to the road that led to independence would not be assisted by 10 vociferous co-pilots Breathing on the driver's neck.

Mr Hector McNeil (Britain) said that Britain accepted the general principle of the sub-committee’s proposal for Libya and its independence by January 1. 1952. Unity was a good slogan, but for the inhabitants of lhe territory unitv was not an abstract idea. The people of Libya, comprising Cyrenaica. Tripolitania and the Fezzan, had a right to self-determination, freedom of choice, and freedom to nake and shape their own lives and their ov/n political and social structures. If the sub-committee’s resolution were adopted in its existing form the inhabitants of Libya would be compelled rigidly to conform to a political structure. Dr. Jose Arce (Argentina) said that Britain and New Zealand need not suspect or fear that the proposed council would cause difficulties. The council would not be created to hinder the commissioner or the administering authorities, but to help in the attainment of independence. The committee adjourned until Monday.