France gives ground at conference

Press, 11 October 1979, Page 3

France gives ground at conference

NZPA Papeete The South Pacific confer- ; ence yesterday moved to quell rising emotions on the ; controversial issue of independence for France’s re- ; maining territories in the region. In the process, France ap- i peared to give ground on the ■ question of the future of i French Polynesia and New ‘ Caledonia, saying “the door : was left open for, possible future developments.”' A compromise document, hammered out overnight, was released yesterday, smooth- ; ing ruffled feathers on the is- ; sue, which flared up unexpectedly. In essence, it means that the French possessions and the United States’ remaining territories in the Pacific will be given the same rights! at future conferences as fully I independent States. This was done without I

forcing France into the independence issue. Australia played a major peace-keeping role, acting as intermediary between France and Papua New Guinea. The leader of the Australian delegation, the Minister of Productivity (Mr lian Mac-) phee) said later: ‘‘lt was a sensitive issue, and there were strong feelings. But this is a very sensible and satisfactory resolution.” A translator’s error during the conference discussion of the question was blamed for sparking off “misunderstandings” on the issue. But there seemed little doubt that France had shifted its position slightly but ‘significantly, giving hope to | pro-independence forces that I the territories will be given i more freedom, at least in the I South Pacific Commission, (the organising body of the ! annual conference.