EFFORTS TO UNIFY LIBYA; N.Z. DELEGATE’S VIEW

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 November 1949, Page 5

EFFORTS TO UNIFY LIBYA; N.Z. DELEGATE’S VIEW

NEW YORK, Nov. 5 (Recd. 6 p.m.) —Sir Carl Berendsen, New Zealand, told the United Nations political committee that although a united Libya would be the best solution of the problem, it would “be quite improper” to attempt to impose upon the people of Libya, or the three Libyan provinces, a unity which they might not desire.” Sir Carl was speaking on recommendations by a sub-committee on the future of former Italian colonies. “In our view the Assembly should assist, not insist," said Sir Carl. In a tribute to Britain, he said: “Were it not for the sacrifices for which at this moment that great country is paying such a big price economically, these particular territories would probably not be available for disposal." He added that the proposed United Nations Commissioner and Council to aid and advise in the attainment of Libyan independence would make more difficult the task of administering authority in running the territory. He referred to them as ‘backseat drivers" and added that the task of holding to the road which led to independence would not be assisted by 10 vociferous co-pilots breathing on the driver’s neck. Mr. Hector McNeil, Minister of State, said Britain accepted the general principle of the sub-committee’s proposal for Libya and its independence by January 1, 1952. Unity was a good slogan but for the inhabitants of the territory unity was not an abstract idea. The people of Libya, comprising Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, and The Fezzan, had a right to self determination, freedom of choice, and freedom to make and shape their own lives, and their own political social structures. If the sub-committee’s resolution were adopted in its existing form the inhabitants of Libya would be compelled rigidly to conform to a political structure.