Other Questions There are, in addition, certain proposals of less immediate importance which the Government wishes to discuss with the representatives of the people of Samoa during the coming year. One of these-is the question of Samoan status. The Samoans are anxious that any risk of an eventual clash of interests between persons of Samoan status and persons of European status shall be avoided. They hope, instead, that all those who regard Samoa as their permanent home will gradually move towards the possession of a common status. Another question which the Government wishes to see discussed is that of local-body government for the villages and for Apia. These are matters, however, which the proposed new Legislature and the Fono of Faipule should have an opportunity of considering fully before any action is taken. Conclusion Conferences with the Fautua have been held in an atmosphere of the greatest frankness and friendliness, and the Government's proposals will now be discussed fully at a meeting being held with district representatives. The United Nations Mission in Samoa has been kept informed of our plans. Their own report has not yet been submitted to the Trusteeship Council, but the Government will give full consideration to any proposals that they may make regarding the Government of the Territory. From our examination of the position and our discussions with the Samoan leaders we are convinced that the plans we have elaborated for the development of self-government in the territory represent a real and, I believe, a welcome advance for the people of Samoa. The present proposals are intended only as the first steps in a process which will not end until the Samoan people are able to assume full responsibility for the control of their own affairs.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 947. Price 2s Z&.~\