The Press THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1970. South Pacific Diplomacy

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32314, 4 June 1970, Page 10

The Press THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1970. South Pacific Diplomacy

The Government’s decision to open a diplomatic office in Fiji comes none too soon. Fiji will become independent on October 10: it will face complex political and economic problems, and New Zealand has important interests in what will be one of this country’s closest neighbours. The first New Zealand Commissioner (Sir John Grace) has qualifications which should enable him to fill creditably a Pacific Islands post. He is of part Maori descent and served for 11 years as secretary to the Minister of Maori Affairs—recommendations which, at a time when the public are rightly questioning the morality of political appointments to diplomatic posts, will seem to many to outweigh the objection that he has for some years held high office in the National Party.

The Fiji post might well call for considerable diplomatic skill. Fiji’s military forces are at present commanded by a New Zealand officer supplied under an agreement between New Zealand and Britain and whose term does not expire for some months after independence. The Army, which is composed predominantly of Fijians, may be expected to take an increasing interest in politics, especially if there is an early move by the Fijian Indian community to amend the independence constitution in the direction of a “ one-man-one-vote ” formula which would give the Indians political dominance.

This was an appropriate time for the Government to extend the appointment of Mr R. B. Taylor, High Commissioner in Western Samoa, who will become the first High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga. Tonga becomes fully independent within the Commonwealth this week after 70 years as a British protected State. The change is only a little more than a formality, for Tonga has been responsible for all its own affairs except defence for some time. Here also New Zealand is closely involved, for the commander of the Tongan military forces is also a New Zealander and independence will raise the question of a review of this arrangement.

Independence has come sooner than expected to some of New Zealand’s small Pacific neighbours. They may still look to New Zealand for guidance and help, and they should not look in vain. This is an area where New Zealand might well combine a more assertive national role as a natural leader with a greater assumption of responsibility for the wellbeing of fellow Commonwealth members. The new diplomatic posts must be expected to assist materially this process.