REGIONAL DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 18, 22 January 1944, Page 8

REGIONAL DEFENCE

TRUSTEESHIP FOR ISLANDS

(Special P.A. correspondent.) Rec. 11 a.m. CANBERRA, Jan. 22. "Within the framework of the general system of world security, it is proposed to establish a regional zone of defence based on Australia and New Zealand and stretching from the arch of islands north and north-east of Australia eastwards to western Samoa and the Cook Islands, which are both under New Zealand's jurisdiction." This statement has been made by Mr. Fraser, defining the outpost line of Australian-New Zealand post-war security. Mr. Fraser stressed the force of the joint Government views on post-war civil, aviation as outlined in the pact. Great importance was also attached by Australia and New Zealand to questions relating to dependencies and to the welfare and advancement of native peoples. The two Governments had also made their attitude clear concerning any changes in the control or sovereignty of the Pacific Islands. The agreement embodied their firm belief in the principle of trusteeship. In this their views were in the closest harmony with the policy and practice of the United- Kingdom Government, with which they would continue to act in the utmost co-operation in the administration of Pacific Island territories. The proposals advanced for a South Sea Regional Commission, Mr. Fraser believed, would mark the beginning of greater co-operation in the administration of colonial territories. In the past a multiplicity of Government systems had complicated the problems of the Pacific, but those of native welfare so far transcended national boundaries as to call for international co-operation in their solution. Australia and New Zealand were agreed that the responsibility for the administration of their island territories should remain with the existing sovereign Powers, but emphasis was laid on the desirability of international co-operation for the twofold purpose of widening and liberalising administration in the interests of native peoples, who were as much entitled to higher standards of life as the peoples of more advanced nations. The machinery set up for consultation, exchange of information, and joint planning by Australia and New Zealand, Mr. Fraser was confident, would function and develop in the same atmosphere of good will as had characterised the conference deliberations. In this spirit Australia and New Zealand would be enabled to play a full part in improving the lot of their own peoples and in preserving the future peace of the world.