8
23. The work of this Committee, as, indeed, that of all other Committees, was facilitated by the fact that the Australian delegation had prepared, as a basis for discussion, agenda notes covering the main points involved. Name of the Commission 24. The name agreed upon as most suitable was " South Pacific Commission," the New Zealand delegation supporting the adoption of this term on the grounds that it was desirable to have precision in geographical connotation so that the expression might be universally understood. Area 25. The Committee agreed that the territorial scope of the Commission should include the non-self-governing territories administered by member -Governments all or part of which are located in the Pacific Ocean south of the Equator and east of, and including, Dutch New Guinea. Alteration of the territorial scope of the Commission, by agreement of the member Governments, was also provided for. 26. It was recognized that, while the Kingdom of Tonga lies within the South Pacific area, the above formula would not provide for its inclusion, since Tonga, although it possesses powers of self-government, is not a sovereign state. Means were therefore devised whereby the co-operation of Tonga in the activities of the Commission might be gained. The resolution relating to the desirability of such co-operation, together with certain other resolutions mentioned below, is attached as Appendix D. Composition, Voting,, and Meetings of the Commission 27. It was agreed that each member Government may appoint not more than two Commissioners and such alternates as it desires, the matter of appointment being left entirely to Governments. In order that member Governments should be aware of the necessity for ensuring that the Commissioners should be, as far as possible, enabled to work full time, the Committee drew up a resolution concerning the service of Commissioners. This resolution was approved by the Plenary Session and appears in Appendix D of this report. The New Zealand delegate stressed the importance of including persons with practical administrative experience in the Island Territories. Although, at first, service as an active Administrator had been regarded by some members of the Committee perhaps even as a disqualification, the force of the New Zealand argument was eventually recognized.
Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.
By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.
Your session has expired.