The Colombo Plan

Press, Volume C, Issue 29553, 30 June 1961, Page 10

The Colombo Plan

Conceived in January, 1950, the Colombo Plan was launched officially on July 1, 1951, when the first development programmes were begun in South and; South-east Asia. Since then the plan’s activities have been widened and diversified. The plan no longer needs to be justified from year to year; it is accepted as an indispensable way of helping Asian peoples to gain greater happiness and prosperity. Successive extensions of the plan—the latest runs till 1966—have testified to faith in this co-operative enterprise, and to the conviction that only with long-term programmes can Asian problems be tackled successfully. New Zealand, a small but useful partner, can take pride in its contribution of money, skills, and hospitality. Even! cynics are readier now to' concede that international! altruism may also be good strategy and good economics.

Reports printed in “The “Press” describe statistically the extent to which the 21 participants in the plan have shared and propose to share their resources. They indicate also the magnitude of the tasks to which the more fortunate countries such as New Zealand are committed in the interests of regional development Statistics can take no account of the intangible benefits. National isolation is no longer feasible in a world shrunk by! rapid communications and rapidly-increasing populations. The importance of economic and political relationships has been enhanced, too. by the upsurge

[of Asian nationalism and by \ the impossibility of comI plete precautions against ■ nuclear warfare. Understanding among the countries of any region implies not only normal diplomatic exchanges, but acceptance of social and commercial contacts, irrespective of race, colour, or creed. New Zealand has already been host to about 900 Colombo Plan students; it has also sent technical experts and educationists to many Asian countries. These human exchanges can be more effective than monetary gifts in cementing friendships Much depends upon the attitude of the New Zealand' people. Their interest cam assist in promoting the amity that formal diplomacy cannot guarantee.