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D 38 20 June 1975
PAPUA NEW GUINEA INDEPENDENCE:
EXCHANGE OF IMESSAGES
The following are the texts of messages exchanged.
yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, and the Chief
iinister of Papua New Guinea, Mr Somare, agreeing that arrangements
be made for Papua New Guinea to become independent on
16 September 1975:
CHIEF MINISTER'S MESSAGE TO THE PRIME MINISTER
" Ily Dear Prime Minister,
On 18th June 1975 the House of Assembly passed the
following motions: " That the following Resolution passed by the House of
Assembly on 9th July 1974 be recinded ' That this House resolve
that Papua Eew Guinea do move to independent nation status as
soon as practicable after a Constitution has been enacted by this
House and that any proposed date for independence is to be endorsed
by this House' and " That this House now nominates the 16th day
of September 1975 as the date upon which Papua New Guinea is to
achieve independence". I gather steps will be taken to pass the Independence
Act in the Australian Parliament citing the above date.
Yours sincerely,
M. T. Sonare
( Chief Minister)
19 June, 1975
PRIME MINIISTER'S MESSAGE TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
" Mr Michael T. Somare,
Chief MiniSter of Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby ./ 2
2-
1iy Dear Chief Minister,
Thank you for your message of 19 June 1975 informing
me that on 18 June 1975 the House of Assembly nominated
16 September 1975 as the date upon which Papua New Guinea is to
achieve independence. The date nominated by the House of Assembly is acceptable
to the Australian Government. I confirm that steps will be
taken to pass the Independence Act in the Australian Parliament
citing the date of 16 September.
. May I offer you my congratulations on the historic
decision which the House of Assembly has taken and express to you
my profound admiration for your success in steering Papua New
Guinea to full nationhood.. I look forward to continuing close
co-operation between our two Governments and our two nations.
I take this opportunity to reaffirm to you that the
Australian Government's policy is that Papua New Guinea should come
to independence on-16 September as one-country,--in accordance
with tne wishes of the overwhelming majority of Papua New Guinea's
elected representatives. The Australian Government will give no
sympathy, aid or support in any form to any group in Papua New
Guinea working to undermine their country's unity. In accordance
ith our obligations to the United Nations, the Australian
Government has a responsibility to the people of Papua New Guinea
to help them ensure thnat on independence day they are citizens of
a strong and united country..
I' am arranging for the Secretary-General of the United
. a. tions and the President of the Trusteeship Council to be
advised of your decision and the Australian Government's agreement
that Papua New Guinea is to achieve independence on 16
September 1975. Yours sincerely., Whitlam)
19 June 1975"