‘PARTNERSHIP AHEAD’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30943, 27 December 1965, Page 3

‘PARTNERSHIP AHEAD’

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 26. In a message to the Premier of the Cook Islands (Mr Albert Henry) the Prime Minister spoke of “the years of partnership” ahead.

Mr Holyoake’s message was: “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I would like to reciprocate your Christmas wishes and extend to you and the Government and people of the Cook Islands a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

“You will have shared my satisfaction in learning that on December 16 the United Nations General Assembly adopted by a very large majority a resolution endorsing the attainment of self-govern-ment by the Cook Islands in free association with New Zealand.

“This was an important decision, for the United Nations had never before been asked to approve an alternative to sovereign independence. “In spite of the determined opposition of a few delegations nearly all were convinced that the people of the Cook Islands had made a valid choice and a wise one.” said Mr Holyoake. “The Governments and peoples of our two countries have worked together to justify the confidence of the United Nations, and our rep-

resentative in New York was greatly assisted by your own explanation of the Cook Islands’ position in the Committee of Twenty-four.

“I am confident that the spirit of trust and good will which has always existed between us in the past will be further strengthened in the years of partnership which lie ahead,” the Prime Minister said.