22
91. In his closing speech in the capacity of Vice-President, Mr Nash thanked other delegations for their resolution of appreciation to Australia and New Zealand, and went on to say that, although New Zealand was a small and isolated country, we were able, in spite of these disadvantages, to make a real contribution to world welfare. Reference was made by Mr Nash to the men of eminence from Polynesia who stood high in the records of world achievement. 92. With regard to the work of the Conference he referred to the fact that all delegations were unanimous as to the final objective of the Commission, although there were differences of opinion as to the best method of securing the end in view. Out of the Conference had come a declaration of aims which explained the nature of the path which should be followed to enable non-self-governing peoples of the South Pacific to live a fuller life. It was both a duty and a privilege to help these peoples to travel along the road to progress, and they, themselves, would have the right at the proposed periodical conferences to indicate their desires as to the nature of such progress. March, 1947. APPENDIX A Text of Invitation despatched by Minister of External Affairs, Canberra, on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Governments, to the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the Netherlands Sir, — I have the honour to present the enclosed Aide Memoire confirming recent verbal communications concerning the proposed establishment of a Regional Advisory Commission for South and South-west Pacific Territories, and the convening of a Conference by the Australian and New Zealand Governments for this purpose early in the coming year at a date to be fixed. It is intended by the two inviting Governments that discussions at this Conference will concern island territories of the South and Southwest Pacific lying generally south of the Equator and eastwards from New Guinea, and it is their understanding that the Commission which is to be set up shall not be empowered to deal in any way with political matters or questions of defence or security. I have the honour to be, With the highest consideration, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) H. V. EVATT, Minister of State for External Affairs.
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.