P.M. Threatens To Resign

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31539, 29 November 1967, Page 5

P.M. Threatens To Resign

(■Special Correspondent N.Z.P.AJ

APIA, November 27.

The Prime Minister of Western Samoa (Mr Fiame Mata’afa) today threatened to resign unless Parliament supported American plans to invest millions of dollars in the Samoan timber industry.

The Prime Minister took strong exception to suggestions by the acting chairman of the Bills Committee, Mr Fuimaono Moasope, that the Cabinet was not acting in the best interests of the people. The Cabinet wants legislation approved authorising the giant American firm. Potlatch

Forest, Inc., to press on with plans to develop the timber industry on the island of Savaii.

Mr Mata’afa told Parliament that if members approved the recommendation of the Bills Committee on the Forest Bill he would take it as a motion of no confidence, resign, and ask the Head of State to dissolve Parliament. “Too Much” One recommendation by the Bills Committee against the wishes of the Cabinet was ap-

k.proved 24-11 this morning, before Mr Mata’afa delivered his a ultimatum. r The Prime Minister said e statements by Mr Fuimaono e that the Cabinet was doing i. something damaging to the i- country by its plans for e American investment were 11 “too much.” Ii Mr Fuimaono withdrew the r statements, and the House f went into recess until tomorrow, when debate on the bill i- will resume. Decisive voting is >- expected.