1. Attached summary [1] provides an interesting picture of
developments in British Solomon Islands.
2. It is suggested that presence of Secretary of State for
Commonwealth Relations [2] gives us an opportunity to follow up
the matter of recent native trouble in the area. At least we might
seek detailed information on causes of present disorder and
suggested remedies. We have definite and direct interest in so far
as
(a) trouble could spread to our own Solomon Islands territories
(b) it would be unfortunate if such trouble developed on a large
scale, with 'ad hoc' committee [4], Assembly and Trusteeship
Council meeting in near future:
(c) it creates an unfortunate atmosphere for the launching of the
South Pacific
Commission:
(d) a positive indication of an interest in the matter is
consistent with our attitude towards Australian initiative in
security and welfare matters in South West Pacific.
3. Halligan is informing the Administrat[orl [5] of Papua - New
Guinea about the
reported trouble in the U.K. area. Our Territories [6]
representatives will be glad to exchange views and make available
information on the situation in the Australian Solomons which,
incidentally, appears to lack the turbulent features of the U.K.
area.
[4. New Zealand has been informed & McIntosh has expressed
interest in matter & intention of discussing with you.]
[AA : A1838, 317/2/1, i]
1 Not published.
2 Addison was in Canberra for the British Commonwealth Conference
on the Japanese Peace Settlement.
3 Most of the Solomon Islands were administered under the British
Solomon Islands Protectorate. Those formerly owned by Germany and
administered by Australia included Bougainville, Buka and adjacent
islands. All the islands were within the Australia Naval Station.
4 That is, a committee of the UN General Assembly, appointed to
consider reports from non-self-governing and dependent territories
and due to convene on 28 August.
5 Matter in square brackets has been altered or written by hand.
6 Department of External Territories.
