NOT PUNITIVE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22445, 27 September 1947, Page 8

NOT PUNITIVE

VISIT TO SOLOMONS MISSION OF WARSHIPS LESS POLITICAL UNREST P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. In view of what are officially regarded as misleading reports published and circulated regarding the use of warships to deal with the activities of the Marching Rule Movement in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, the acting-High Commissioner of the Western Pacific has issued the following statement: — "In consequence of a defiant attitude on the part of the leaders of the Marching Rule Movement with the announced intention of causing disturbances, it became necessary to effect the arrest of certain of these leaders. Their activities were upsetting the law-abiding part of the populations, and it was clear that a violent clash between the Marching Rule Movement and the opposition would probably eventuate. No Violence Reported

“These arrests have all been carried out by the local administration without incidents of violence.

“In pursuance of the usual policy of showing the flag, H.M.A.S. Warramunga visited Honiara from September 3 to September 6 in the course of a routine cruise which was arranged some months ago, and which had no relation to the activities of the Marching Rule Movement.

“In order to provide a steadying influence following the period when most of the arrests mentioned above were carried out, arrangements were made for the destroyer Context to visit Maiaita, where the Marching Rule Movement is largely concentrated, on September 4 arid remain until Septembei 15. . , Admirable Tact Displayed

“Although the Context took no part in the arrests of the leaders, her presence was most useful and. in particular, the admirable and tactful bearing of the officers and ratings contributed substantially to restoring confidence "In consequence the local administration was enabled to stabilise the position more quicklv than would otherwise have been possible.

“On September 10 and 11 the submarine Amphion in the course of a routine cruise paid a brief visit to Santa Ana. a small island with a population of about 300, situated south-east of the Protectorate. • The aircraft-carrier Theseus accompanied by the destroyer Cockade are at present passing through the Solomon Islands area in the course of their return to Hong Kong following a visit to Australia and New Zealand. “It is emphasised that the mission of these warships was and is to show the flag only and they have not been sent there for punitive pui poses. “The latest reports show that the political situation in the protectorate is improving satisfactorily.”