SOUTH SEAS CONFERENCE

HC Deb 28 January 1947 vol 432 cc179-80W

145. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the objects of the South Seas Conference, opening at Canberra on 28th January, 1947.

Mr. Bottomley

The aim of the Conference, which is due to open in Canberra today, is to consider proposals for the establishment of a South Pacific Regional Commission as an advisory body for the promotion of native welfare and economic development in the island territories lying generally south of the equator and eastwards from and including Dutch New Guinea. The Conference is being convened by the Australian and New Zealand Governments, and will also be attended by representatives of the Governments of the United Kingdom, United States, France and the Netherlands.