Arab Republic Diplomat Arrives In Auckland

Press, Volume C, Issue 29488, 14 April 1961, Page 15

Arab Republic Diplomat Arrives In Auckland

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 13. Dr. Najmuddine Rifai, a leading United Arab Republic diplomat, arrived in Auckland today on his way to Western Samoa to supervise the plebiscite there on May 8 to decide whether the way is clear for independence and the end of the United Nations* trusteeship administered by New Zealand. Accompanying Dr. Rifai is Mr J. B. Cottrell, of the United Kingdom, as principal secretary of the mission. He is secretary of the United Nations’ Trustee Council, and of the Fourth (Trustee) Committee of the General Assembly. Dr. Rifai, who is from Syria (now the northern region of the United Arab Republic), said his task in Western Samoa was to supervise the voting to ensure that it was conducted impartially, free from influence, and in a

manner satisfactory for acceptance by the General Assembly. His report with the results would go to the Trustee Council meeting on July 1, and then be forwarded with the council’s recommendations to the General Assembly, which holds its next session in September, should the Samoans declare for independence. A date for the coming into effect of this would be fixed after consultations with New Zealand, as the country administering trusteeship. Discussions will be held in Wellington with Mr Gotz. Minister of Island Territories. Dr. Rifai spent only 15 minutes at Whenuapai today before making his aircraft connexion to Wellington. He was a day behind schedule because the T.A.I. plane from Papeete (Tahiti) had been delayed in its departure.