ROYAL VISIT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30045, 1 February 1963, Page 9

ROYAL VISIT

TO FIJI Loyal Welcome Also Political

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) SUVA, January 31

A loyal welcome being prepared for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh by Fijian people carries political overtones, giving it far greater importance than a normal greeting to their acknowledged “paramount chief.” Unlike the people of almost all other colonial territories, the Fijians reject rather than desire independence. They point to the terms of the 89-year-old deed of cession by which Fijian chiefs gave the island group to Queen Victoria.

The chiefs said: “We give Fiji unreservedly to the

Queen of Britain, that she may rule us justly and affectionately and that we may live in peace and prosperity.”

Fijians consider the deed remains entirely valid and oppose British Government suggestions of a ministerial government or any moves towards independence. Their greatest fear is United Nations agitation for independence.

Fijian leaders have suggested that if any change from colonial status is necessary, Fiji should be integrated into Britain. The Queen and Duke are visiting only the main island, Viti Levu. The brevity of the tour— a little over six hours—has brought expressions of puzzlement and dismay from Fijians who draw comparisons with some Commonwealth countries whose demands for independence they consider insulting to the Queen.

Poison Search Dropped.— Professor R. H. Thorp, of Sydney University, has abandoned tests for a poison believed to have killed Dr. Gilbert Bogle and Mrs Margaret Chandler.—(Sydney, January 31.)