PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P. M. No, ! 6/ 1Q, 6
REBUTTAL TO PAPUA/ NETW GUINEA STORY
Statement by teh1 Prime niiseet er, the Rt Hon, R. G. 4enzies
My attention has been directed to a story published
in the Melbourne Herald on February 5, and also, I believe, in the
Brisbane Courier Mail. I had not seen this article until today0
It states categorically that Australia will try to
give Papua/ New Guinea representative self-government by 1968
and complete its political independence by 1972 at the latest.
The story purports to be based upon inside knowledge
of Government policy, Mr. Hasluck made a statement in Rabaul on
Saturday, February 9, categorically denying this story and setting
out in completely accurate terms the real policy of the Australian
S Government which is " that we will stay in Papua/ New Guinea as long
as the people of the Territory need our help, No-one other than
the residents of the Territory can tell us when to go."
Mr. Hasluck's full statement deserves to be read,
It is entirely in accord with Government policy. The story about
1968 and 1972 is one which I had never heard of until I read it
today. It is a misohievous story because it may well create
confusion, not only among the indigenous inhabitants, but also
among the Australians who live and work in this Territory. I am
quite unaware of any differences of opinion in the Government on
this matter,
SCANBERRA, 11th February, 1963
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