» South Pacific Commission Report of the T E N T H S O U T H P a C I F I C C O H F E K E N C E Suva, Fiji, I5th September

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REPORT OF THE

TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC COHFE K E N C E

SUVA, FIJI, I5TH SEPTEMBER - 25TH SEPTEMBER, 1970

Chairman: The Honourable S.I1. Koya ^SommiBsioner for the United Kingdom on the South Pacific Commission/7

NOUMEA HEw' CAHiDONIA 1970 ATTENDANCE AT THE TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE

Chairman

The Hon. S.M. Koya, Commissioner for the United Kingdom on the South Pacific Commission

Representatives from South Pacific Territories and Countries

American Samoa High Talking Chief Fofo I.F.Sunia Delegate

British Solomon Islands The Hon. Gordon Siama Delegate Protectorate Mr Solomon Maraoloni Alternate Delegate

Cook Islands Dr Joseph Williams Delegate Mr Papamama Pokino Alternate Delegate Mr Alan Armistead Adviser Mr Frank Thorburn Adviser Mr Russell Gerrard Observer

Fiji The Hon. Vijay R. Singh Delegate The Hon. Jonate Mavoa Alternate Delegate The Hon. J.B. Naisara Adviser Mr B. Vunibobo Adviser Dr S. Lomani Adviser Mr C. Amoutch Adviser

French Polynesia Mr Romuald Allain Delegate Mr Eugene Haereraaroa Alternate Delegate Mr Henri Elix Adviser

Gilbert and Ellice The Hon. Reuben K. Uatioa Delegate Islands Colony Mr Naboua Ratieta Alternate Delegate

Guam Mr J.C. Guerrero Delegate Nauru President Hammer deRoburt Delegate Mr Kinza Clodumar Adviser Miss Echo Gadong Adviser

New Caledonia Rev. Father J. Kapea Nepamoindou Delegate

New Hebrides Rev. Father Gerard Leymang Delegate (Condominium) Mr Iolu Abbil Delegate Mr Jacques Fabre Adviser Mr Keith Woodward Adviser

Niue The Hon. Robert R. Rex Delegate The Hon. Enetama Alternate Delegate Mr S.P.E. Tagelagi Adviser Mr T.M. Chapman Adviser Territory of Papua Mr Oala Oala-Rarua Delegate and new Guinea Mr John Poe Delegate Mr T. Kambipi Alternate Delegate Mr T. Koraea Adviser Mr A. Joseph Adviser Dr A. Tarutia Adviser 2

Tokelau Islands Mr T. Atoni Delegate

Tonga (Kingdom) Mr Inoke F. Faletau Delegate H.R.H. Prince Tupouto'a Adviser Trust Territory of the The Hon. F.T. Palacios Delegate Pacific Islands Mr Leo Falcalra Alternate Delegate The Hon. E. Rechucher Adviser The Hon. Peter T. Coleman Adviser

U'allie and Futuna Mr Michel Hoatau Delegate Islands Western, Samoa The Hon. Tupua Taraasese Lealofi IV Delegate The Hon. Icfipo Ropati Alternate Delegate

Principal Officers of the South Pacific Commission

Secretary-General Afioga Afoafouvale Misimoa

Programme Director (Health) Dr Guy Loison

Programme Director (Social) Mr John JJ. deYoung

Programme Director (Economic) Mr Alan Harris

Commissioners and Advisers Appointed by Participating Governnents

Australia Ieeder i The Hon. Ian Sinclair Senior Commissioner Mr C.E. Reseigh Commissioner MrK. Desmond Alternate Commissioner Mr D.G. Wilson Alternate Commissioner Mr J. Brown Alternate Commissioner Mr R.M. Birch Adviser Mr M. Cogan Observer Senator A.J. Drury Observer Sir John Cramer

France Senior Commissioner MrH. Nettre Second Commissioner Mr J. Ernond

Nauru Senior Commissioner The Hon. B. Detudarao

New Zealand Leader ...... The Hon. Duncan Maclntyre" Secretary for Kaori and Island Affairs Mr J.H, McEwen Senior Commissioner Mr C. Craw Alternate Commissioner Mr J.R. Springford Adviser DrG. Blake-Palmer Adviser Mr G. Shroff i

3 f United Kingdom • Senior Commissioner Miss E.J. Emery Commissioner The Hon. S.M. Koya Alternate Commissioner Sir John Fields Alternate Commissioner Mr J.R.W. Parker Alternate Commissioner Miss M.F. Heard

United States of America Senior Commissioner The Hon. William B.Taylor III Commissioner The Hon. Aaron G„ Marcus Alternate Commissioner The Hon. Y. Baron Goto Alternate Commissioner Mr Robert W. Skiff Adviser Mr Walter V. Hall Adviser Mr Charles Leppert Adviser Mr David P. Garretson Adviser Mr Jack Wilson

Western Samoa Senior Commissioner Tofa Lauofo Meti y Alternate Commissioner Mr Iulai Toma Adviser Mr Edward Meredith c

Observers

Allequash Foundation Mr Alexander P. Hixon Australian National University Professor J.W. Davidson Bernice P. Bishop Museum Miss Brenda Bishop East-West Center Dr Jo!in Brownell Food and Agriculture Miss C.A. Frederickson Organization Er J. Crosnier Dr B. Rumich Mr J. A. Tubb Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific Inc. Mr W. O'Donnell International Labour Office Mr P. Pilvio ilr F. Muhleman * New Zealand Institute of Mr B.M. Brown * International Affairs Mr R.M. Alley Mr T.R. Smith Office de la Recherche Scien- tifique et Technique Outre-Mer Mr J-P. Tonnier Pacific Islands Producers' Association (PIPA) Mr H.P. Helder United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Mr A. Meager United Nations Development Mr William B. Hussey Programme Mr Donald Dunham University of Papua and New Guinea Dr John Gunther University of the South Pacific Professor R.C. Honeybono World Health Organization Dr J. Hirshman te;ith south pacific conference

A G E W D A

I. Adoption of Agenda and Appointment of Committees

II. Indication by Participating Governments and Territories of their Contributions to the Budget III. A: General Review by the Secretary-General on the Work Programme and Budget, and on the Commission's Achievements and Prospects, followed by Programme Directors B: Addresses by Territorial Delegations on their Special heeds and Problems C: Speeches by The Honourable Ian Sinclair, Minister for Shipping and Transport, Government of Australia, and The Honourable Duncan Maclntyre, Minister for Maori and Island Affairs, Government of New Zealand IV. Report of the Secretary-General on Action Taken on the Recommendations of the ninth South Pacific Conference

V. South Pacific Commission Inter-Territorial otudy Visits - • r Policy VI. Report of the Review Committee

VII. Consideration of the Proposed Work Programme and Budget for the 1971 Fiscal Year VIII. Relations with Other International Organisations

IX. Report of the Mooting on the Role of Snort in Development

X. Report of the Training Se.ninar on Educational Broadcasting

XI. Regional Rat Control Project

XII. Items Presented by Government of Fiji:

A: A Preliminary Examination of the Feasibility of SPC Territories Using the Fiji Government Computing Centre on a Regional Basis

. B: The English Teaching Unit - Its Role and Functions and * How it Could Best Serve the Region

C: Regional Courses for Hotel Staff D: Proposals for the Establishment of a Trades Certification Board for the South Pacific Region

E: A Regional Centre for Apprentice Training u F: Regional South Pacific Islands Tourist Promotion Programme v- XIII. Telecommunications XIV, Venue and Arrangements for the Eleventh Conference XV. Other Business XVI. Report of the Tenth Conference to the South Pacific Commission

XVII. Closing of the Conference REPORT OP THE TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION

AGENDA ITEM I - ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

1. Tho Conference adopted the Agenda and appointed a General Committee.

AGENDA ITEM II - INDICATION BY PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS AND TERRITORIES OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUDGET

2. The following financial contributions were announced to the South Pacific Commission's Budget for 1971:

(a) Participating Governments - totalling 1>A890,000;

(b) Territorial Administrations - totalling GA27,121 to the general Budget projects; provisional contributions from French Polynesia and New Caledonia were announced totalling oA3> 150. In addition New Caledonia offered a further sum of UA500 to cover extra cost3 involved in lengthening the Regional Symposium on the Conservation of Nature.

It was noted that six of the participating Governments were prepared to increase their contributions to the 1971 Budget by eight por cent; the seventh Government is awaiting the approval of its legislature to do so and participating Governments hope to be able, later in the year, to confirm an increase in their total contributions by the percentage stated. It was further noted that Uestern Samoa agreed to make financial contributions to the 1971 Budget botli as a participating Government and as a territorial Administration.

AGENDA ITEII III - ADDRESSES TO THE CONFERENCE

3. The Conference noted with interest the verbal statements made by the Secretary-General and the Programme Directors on the Commission's Uork Programme and Budget for 1971 and on the Commission's achievements in the past and prospects for the future; expressed gratitude for the information and guidance given to the Conference and the Session in the addresses of territorial Delegates on the special needs and problems of their territories; and welcomed the attendance of the Honourable Ian Sinclair, Minister for Shipping and Transport, Government of Australia, and the Honourable Duncan Haclntyre, Minister for Maori and Island Affairs, Government of Hew Zealand, and thanked them for their speeches to the Conference.

AGENDA ITEM IV - REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON ACTION TAKEN ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NINTH SOUTH PACIFIC C0?1FERENCE

4. The Conference received the Report of the Secretary-General on action taken on the recommendations of the Ninth (1969) Conference and requested the Secretary-General to present a similar report to the Eleventh (1971) Conference on action taken on the recommendations of the Tenth (1970) Conference. 2

- AGENDA ITEM V - SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION II ITER-TERRITORIAL STUDY VISITS - POLICY

5. The Conference, having discussed the policy followed by the Secretariat in determining awards for inter-territorial study visits, recommended that the following amended policy be adopted: . . . that the applicant and the proposed visit be endorsed by the territorial Administration concerned;

(b) that the purpose of the study visit should conform to the aims of the Commission;

(d) that study visits be awarded to expatriates if they are expected to have an immediate multiplier effect through the Provision of training and education in the territories concerned, and if for this purpose the expatriate's remaining period of service is adequate; (c) that study grants should not be awarded to assist the type of official familiarisation or duty visit made by high-level officials - expatriate or local - provision for which would normally be made in territorial budgets;

(f) that, at tho beginning of the year, each territory be invited to submit detail'; of expected territorial visits under this provision, and the Secretariat shall allocate available funds for this purpose, and that all available funds, if required, may be committed in the first part of a financial year without reserving funds for the final quarter. Any amount not used as indicated in the request may thereafter be offered to other requests;

(g) that the grant for each study visit be based on lialf return fares (at economy class rates when applicable) up to sr.xinrn grants of AA500 in each instance.

AGENDA ITEM VI - REPORT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE

6. The Conference received and accepted the Report of the Review Committee to the Tenth South Pacific Conference annexed hereto and marked "A • and recommended its adoption by the Commission for necessary action subject to the following provisos relating to tho paragraphs in the Report indicated below: Paragraph 16: (a) that the improvements set out in paragraphs — - 5 to 15 be implemented immediately by convention; (b) that the participating Governments take steps to incorporate these changes formally into the Agreement and so bring the Agreement up-to-date as soon as practicable; 3

Paragraph 2k:

that the Principal Officers of the Commission's Secretariat be appointed by an ad hoc comriittee consisting of the representatives of the participating Governments and of the territorial Administrations of the region; /Tho F rencli delegation reserved its position on this pointy/

Paragraphs 31 to J>k:

(a) that no amendment be made to the Canberra Agreement in respect of the Research Council;

(b) that early next year there be a meeting of development planners from each territory with officials of the Secretariat of the Commission, together with UIJDP and representatives of those Specialized Agencies of the United Nations and other organizations and institutions which have an interest in the area, to help in the preparation of a three-year work programme for the Commission.

AGENDA ITEM VII - WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET - 1971 HEADS V - VI

7. The Conference recommended to the Commission: (a) the adoption of the Work Programme and Budget for 1971 as summarized in Annex B to this Report and of the items set out in Annex C, the implementation of the latter being subject to the availability of funds from the proposed 8% increase in the financial contributions to be made to the 1971 Budget by the participating Governi.ients;

(b) that, as soon as possible after preparing tho 1972 Budget proposals and those for each subsequent year, tho Secretariat should distribute a Conference paper including Comparative Tables showing:

(i) the actual income and expenditure for the previous year;

(ii) the estimated income and approved expenditure for the current year; • • (iii) the estimated income and expenditure for the following year;

Programme Personnel 8. The Conference: . . (a) emphasized the desirability of Commission specialists being bilingual in French and English; 4

(b) noted that the post of Audio-Visual Aids * (Educational Broadcasts) Officer will emphasize the audio aspects of school and adult education broadcasting, and that the necessary regional visual aids training will be undertaken by the University of the South Pacific in collaboration with the Commission; it was furtaer noted that the University of Papua and Hew Guinea also had available training facilities in the audio-visual field which might be available to other territories; (Budget Item 50%)

(c) recommended that, provided the necessary funds become available, the posts of Mental Health Specialist and Economist be continued after the expiry of the contracts of the present incumbents for a period of two years in each case, and that the post of Health Educator be re-established. (Budget Items 510, 519 and 508) ^

Community Education Training Centre

9. The Conference recommended that:

(a) the Commission immediately investigate the possibility of expanding the facilities at the Community Education Training Centre to allow for an increased allocation of places for Pacific Island students on a priority basis; (b) a working party be set up by the Commission, in collaboration with the Government of Fiji and the University of the South Pacific, to examine the future of the Centre which should also ensure that training is continued at the existing standard. (Budget Item 503)

Territorial Training Courses in Audio-Visual Kids

10. The Conference noted the interest of the Tokelau Islands in these courses and the emphasis which the territories placed on the importance of the syllabuses for the courses being drawn up in close ^ ^ consultation with the territorial authorities concerned. (Budget Item 608)

Sub-Regional Training Course in Co-operation and Business Methods

11. The Conference noted that the duration of this course will be two months and requested the Commission to consider the possibility of lengthening such courses. (Budget Item 6ll)

Second Conference of Directors of Territorial Health Services

12. The Conference recommended that: (a) the Commission arrange to hol<" this meeting in conjunction with the next (1971) South Pacific Health Board Meeting in Tonga; « 5

m (b) that, if possible, the duration of the former meeting be extended to approximately one week; (c) consideration be given to convening the Second Conference of Directors of Health early in 1971 prior to the Planning Meeting referred to in paragraph 6 above;

(d) the participants in the Conference of Directors of Health attend properly prepared with precise proposals for long-term planning;

(e) to ensure full attendance at Commission meetings and in the interests of economy, the Secretariat should keep in mind the advantages that may accrue from holding its meetings in conjunction with those of other organizations. (Budget Item 615)

Territorial Courses on Sex Education and Family Planning for Education and Health Personnel i 13. The Conference recommended that, should funds become available from the 1970 savings, these courses should be implemented in 1971. (Budget Item 621)

Territorial Training Courses in Pasture and Livestock Production 2k. The Conference noted that the British Solomon Islands Protectorate did not wish to have a course of this nature in 1971, although it would nominate a trainee for such a course held in another territory; but that the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands v/as, on the contrary, anxious to receive the Commission's assistance in organizing one of these courses. (Budget Item 636)

Sub-Regional Training Course in Pig and Poultry Production (English-speaking)

15. The Conference recommended that the syllabus for this course include lectures on the important problem of economic sources of supply of pig and poultry feed. - (Budget Item 637) P Territorial Training Courses on -igricultural Extension Techniques J 16. The Conference noted that the provision under this item had been increased in order to enable such a course to be run in the Cook Islands. (Budget Item 639)

South Pacific Islands Fisheries Development Agency

17. The Conference: (a) expressed its concern and dissatisfaction at the inadequate information supplied to it by the Secretariat in regard to the Agency's activities, the Consultative Committee and the Commission's financial contribution to the Agency; 6

(b) requested that copies of the South Pacific Islands Fisheries Development Agency Agreement/Plan of Operation be distributed to territorial Administrations as soon as possible after it has been received by the Secretariat;

(c) recommended that a sum of 1i3,000 under Priority . II* be allocated to meet the cost of half return economy-class air fares for territorial participants attending the Agency's Consultative Com- mittee meeting in 1971. (Budget Item 6*t0)

PNDP Tourism Survey

18. The Conference, in recommending a budgetary provision to the Commission, urged that the survey should be a comprehensive one including all territories within the scope of the Commission. (Budget Item 6W

Planning Committee for the Preparation of a Three-Year Work Programme

19. The Conference recommended the inclusion of Budget Iten 655 entitled "Planning Committee for the Preparation of a Three-Year Work Programme1' and recommended the allocation of ^3,000 under Priority II* to meet the cost of half return economy-class air fares for territorial participants attending this meeting. 20. The Conference further recommended that, subject to availability of funds from savings in the 1970 Budget, full return economy- class air fares be paid for such participants. (Budget Item 655)

AGENDA ITEM VIII - RELATIONS WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES

21. The Conference noted the contents of the paper marked Annex D presented by the French delegation and, recognizing the need for closer co-operation between the South Pacific Commission and international agencies, recommended that the participating Governments do empower the Secretary-General to negotiate on behalf of the South Pacific Commission with the international agencies (including United Nations and its Agencies) to initiate regional projects, that the South Pacific Commission should be regarded as the executing agency, and that before entering into any financial commitments, plans of operations for such projects should be submitted for approval by participating am1 territorial Governments.

Expression of Thanks

22. The Conference expressed warm appreciation for the valuable presence at the Conference of Observers representing the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, Universities, the Allequash Foundation, the Bemice P. Bishop Museum, the East-West Center, the Fount1 ation for the Peoples of the South Pacific Inc., the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, the French Bureau for Overseas Scientific and Technical Research (ORSTOM), and the Pacific Islands Producers' Association.

AGENDA ITEM IX - THE ROLE OF SPORT IN DEVELOPMENT

23. The Conference recoranended that the Coiranission:

(a) approach the various territories with a request that they appoint a delegate to a "South Pacific Committee on Youth and Sport1'; 7

(b) appoint the South Pacific Commission Youth Work Officer as ex-officio secretary to the South Pacific Committee on Youth and Sport;

(c) organize in 1972 a P.egional Conference on Youth and Sport with representatives from both governments and voluntary organizations, which would be preceded by a meeting of the South Pacific Committee on Youth and Sport. The agenda of the Conference would include the items listed in the recommendations 3 and 4 of the Port Moresby Conference. Consultants could be invited from the International Council of Sports and Physical Education (ICSPE) and from the Inter- national Council on Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ICHPER). The Conference could make recommendations on the future of the South Pacific Committee on Youth and Sport.

AGENDA ITEM X - EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING

2k. The Conference:

(a) noted that no further action need be taken on the recommendation for a regional Audio-Visual Aids Educational Broadcasting specialist, since provision had been made in the 1971 Work Programme and Budget;

(b) recommended that the Commission approach the Australian Government for assistance in developing, in collaboration with the language specialists of the Commission, a project for the preparation in the region of tapes and ancillary materials in the development of English as a second language for U6e by countries and territories of the South Pacific area.

AGENDA ITEM XI - PROPOSED REGIONAL RAT CONTROL PROJECT

25- The Conference expressed its support in principle for this project and recommended that the Secretariat carry out preliminary discussions with UNDP and place the whole matter before the Planning Committee on the Work Programme for its consideration.

AGENDA ITEM XII - ITEMS PRESENTED BY GOVERNMENT OF FIJI

A: A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF SPC TERRITORIES USING THE FIJI GOVERNMENT COMPUTING CENTRE ON A REGIONAL BASIS

26. The Conference noted with appreciation the paper presented by the Government of Fiji on the facilities its Computing Centre could offer to the region and expressed its thanks to Fiji for its thoughtful invitation to the territories of the region to make use of these facilities. 8

B: THE ENGLISH TEACHING UNIT - ITS ROLE AJ,T> FUNCTIONS AND HOW IT COPLD BEST SERVE THE REGIOi: 27. Tho Conference expressed its appreciation to the Government of Fiji for the paper on how its English-Teaching Unit could nerve the needs of the region; noted that the University of I-apua and New Guinea could offer similar services; and recommended that the Secretariat con- tinue to collaborate i/ith the i

C; REGIONAL COURSES FOR HOTEL STAFF

28. The Conference expressed its gratitude to the Government of Fiji for its paper on regional courses for hotel staff and requested the Programme Director (Economic) to ascertain from territorial Administrations whether they were interested in using the hotel training facilities in Fiji, and possibly New Caledonia and Tahiti.

D; PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRADES CERTIFICATION BOARD FOR TiiE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

29. The Conference accepted with gratitude the paper presented by the Government of Fiji on this subject and requested that the Programme Director concerncd should, in co-operation with the appropriate international organizations, examine the feasibility of setting up a Trades Certification Board for the region.

E; A REGIONAi CENTRE FOR APPRENTICE TRAINING

30. The Conference noted t/ith appreciation the paper of the Government of Fiji on tho establishment of a regional training centre for apprenticeship training and recommended that any proposals for the development of apprenticeship training in the region should, as far as possible, ensure the maximum utilisation of all other institutions providing such training.

F: REGIONAL SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS TOURIST PROMOTION PROGRAMME

31. The Conference expressed its appreciation of the paper presented by the Government of Fiji and requested the Programme Director (Economic) to ascertain the views of territorial ..dministra- tions on this important programme and on a suitable date for its commencement.

AGENDA ITEM XIII - MEETING ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

32. The Conference:

(a) expressed interest in the convening of a meeting on telecommunications in 1971;

(b) noted that there was no provision in the 1971 Budget for such a meeting;

(c) requested the Secretariat to estimate full costs of the meeting, to communicate them to territorial Administrations and to invite territorial participation on the basis that the territories should bear the entire costs involved. 9

AGENDA ITEM XIV - VENUE AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELEVENTH CONFERENCE

33- The Conference recommended that the Eleventh (1971) Conference be held at the South Pacific Commission Headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia from 20th September to 1st Octobcr 1971 and unanimously elected Mr Oala Oala-Rarua of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea as its Chairman and unanimously elected Dr Joseph Williams of the Cook Islands as its Deputy Chairman. 3k. The Conference noted with thanks the invitation of the Government of the Cook Islands to host the Twelfth (1972) Conference and recommended that the Eleventh (1971) Conference should give favour- able consideration to this invitation.

35. ©»o Conference recommended that for the Eleventh and future Conferences, the Secretariat should provide full and adequate information on all matters for discussion and that tho background papers concerned should be circulated to territorial Administrations to enable delegates to be briefed by their respective Governments. 36. The Conference recommended that all projects submitted by the Secretariat to the Eleventh and future Conferences should include detailed estimates of cost in order to provide a clear picture of the financial implications involved.

AGENDA ITEM XV - OTHER BUSIiffiSS

37. The Conference noted with appreciation the decision of the Legislature of Guam to offer two scholarships a year at the University of Guam to Pacific Islanders living within the area of the South Pacific Commission.

AGENDA ITEM XVI - REPORT OF THE TENTH CONFERENCE TO THE SuUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION

38. The Conference adopted the Report of the Tenth Conference for submission to the South Pacific Commission.

AGENDA ITEM XVII - CLOSING OF THE CONFERENCE

Votes of Thanks

39. The Conference noted with gratitude the many courtesies and hospitality extended to the participants by the Government of Fiji and unanimously voted to extend its deep appreciation to the host Government. The Conference further noted the achievement of Independence by Fiji on October 10 and unanimously expressed its best wishes to the people and the Government of Fiji. ^0. The Conference expressed its warm appreciation and praise to the Chairman, the Honourable 3.M. Koya, on the able and efficient manner in v/hich he had presided over its proceedings and a vote of thanks was unanimously carried to this effect.

Original Text: English ANNEX A

SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION

TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE

REPORT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE

TO THE

TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE

SUVA 9 September 1970 SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE MICROFILM PROJECT. ENTRY NO SPC 19 TO 19 REEL CORPORATE AUTHORS P-fcVvgC

PERSONAL AUTHORS

OFFICIAL TITLE (ANON OR SINGLE AUTHORS)

DOCUMENT TITLE alternative (or enriched) fi^ciA-V ... (,">

Cljyf-Pl-r^V' V OVT^Q. | X^oA ^

hcdi WnV- V»M

———^— i

CONFERENCE ETC TITLE

CONFERENCE ETC NO CONFERENCE DATES CONFERENCE TOWN COUNTRY IF NOT NOUMEA

EBLICATION PLACE TOWN COUNTRY IF NOT NOUMEA

PUBLISHER IF NOT SPC

DOCUMENT IDENTIFIER £ Spt^lO | (L^ | lU^rft T

DOCUMENT DATE ^ XlLV < 0. VP Pagination \ ^ Language: underline E or F Access to original if not open. Underline Restricted or Confidental Notes VW^-^Aa,^ V^^ S. 9 C^ | flj f I j

Area codes (not AA or AB) Dewey number(s) jtyrl ANNEX A

SOOTH PACIFIC COMMISSION

TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE

REPORT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE

TO THE

TENTH SOUTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE

SUVA 9 September 1'970 I

SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION j •> MEMBERS OF THE REVISW COMMITTEE

' WB3TEBH SAMOA • • - Tofa LAUOFO Meti, Chairman of the Review Committee, P.O. Box 68, Apia, Western Samoa.

— Mr D.G. WILSON, Secretary of the Review Com- .. , . mittee, Alternate Commissioner for Australia on the South Pacific Commission, Australian Consulate, P.O. Box 22, Noumea, Hew Caledonia.

AUSTRALIA • - Mr K. DESMOND, Commissioner for Australia on the South Pacific Commission, Head, Americas and South Pacific Scotion, Department of External Affairs, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia 2601.

AUSTRALIAN TERRITORIES - Mr Oala OALA-RARUA, Assistant Ministerial Member for the Treasury, Department of the Treasury, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Territory of Papua and New Guinea. - Jttr John Peo, Member of the House of Assembly, Port Moresby, Territory of Papua mid New Guinea (at Third Meeting at Suva}/

FRANCE - M. Jean EMOND, Second Commissioner for France on the South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.

FRENCH TERRITORIES - Rev. Pere Jacob KAPEA NEPAMOINDOU, ler Vicaire de la Cathddrale, Noumea, New Caledonia.

NAURU • - The Hon. B. DETUDAKO, Senior Commissioner for Nauru on the South Pacific Commission, Ministry for Work3 and Community Services, Republic of Nauru, Central Pacific.

NEW ZEALAND - Mr C. CRAW, Ssnior Commissioner for New Zealand cn the South Pacific Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, C.I., New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND TERRITORIES - Mr F.C. THORBURN, Financial Secretary, Government of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

UNITED KINGDOM - Mr KyR. BAIN, Commissioner for the United Kingdom on the South Pacific Commission, South Pacific Office, Government House Grounds, Suva, Fiji. fttiss M. Heard, Alternate Commissioner for the United Kingdom on the South Pacific Cocmission, Pacific and Indian Ocean Depart- ment, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, S.W.I., England (at Third Meeting at SuvaJ/

UNITED KINGDOM TERRITORIES - The Hon. Gordon SIAKA, Member of the Legislative Council for North West Solomons, Honiara, British Solomon Islands Protectorate. ^The Hon. Vijay R. Singh. Minister for Com- merce, Industry and Co-operatives, Suva, Fiji (at Third Meeting at Suva)J 4

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Mr Walter V. HALL, Country Officer, Pacific Islands Affairs, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C., 20520, United States of America.

- Mr John C. DORRANCE, Second Secretary, American Embassy, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia.

UNITED STATES TERRITORIES - Mr Leo A. FALCALM, Executive Officer, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Office of the High Commissioner, Saipan, Mariana Islands, 96950. SOUTH PACTTTC COMMISSION

* . ; REPORT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE

Pwmfrlg"'. 1. The Review Comniittee as established by the Ninth Conference, net frpm 27th April to 2nd May, 1970 at South Pacific Commission Head- quarters at Noumea and at Suva on 9th September, 1970. The terms of reference of the Review Committee recommended by the Ninth Conforence vere "to assess the results of recent changes in the Conference and Commission, and to consider whether, and if so what, further changes are desirable". The previous review of the organization took place in 1957 and its conclusions are to be found at page 23, Appendix 1 to the Proceedings of the Seventeenth Session of the South Pacific Commission.

2. After welcoming addresses by the Chairman, the New Caledonian representative and the Secretary-General, the Committee began its work.

3. After some discussion the Committee adopted the following Agenda:

Is Presentation of Papers Prepared for Review Committees

(a) New Zealand Territories ... (b) United States Government (c) United Kingdom Territories

2s Means of Formally Recognizing Changes in Procedure ' of Conference and Commission and Further Changes . Recommended by Committee

3s Future Rfile of the South Pacific Commission

4s Organization of Secretariat

5s Appointment of Committees:

(a) Drafting Committee (b) Finance Committee H AGENDA ITEM 1

4. The Papers presented are appended to the Report (Appendices I, II and III). A Paper was received from the Territory of Guam in July. Although this document was received late, most of the suggestions in it were made by the Representatives of the United States Government and United States Territories during the April Meeting of the Review Committee. This Paper is appended as Appendix V.

AGENDA ITEM 2

As- ' RECOGNITION OF CHANGES ALREADY IMPLEMENTED

5. In the discussion which followed consideration of the first part of Item 2 of the Agenda, the general feeling was expressed, although with~ some concern on the part of some representatives, that it was not 2 -A

at this stage possible to secure the agreement of all participating Govern- ments to the necessary amendments to the Canberra Agreement with respect to ' changes already implemented. There was, at the same time, a general desire that the changes in the procedures of the Conference and Commission which had already been accepted by the Conference and Commission since the signing of the original Canberra Agreement, should be formally recognised. These changes are recorded in an Historical Note annexed to the Committee's Report (Appendiz IV).

6. The Committee, recognizing that the Canberra Agreement, as amended in 1954 and 1964, has proved itself capable of accepting among the participating Governments any Territory which fulfils the requirements of international law necessary for this purpose; notes however that the ad- mission of the Kingdom of Tonga as a participating Government of the South Pacific Commission, which is unanimously desired by the Committee, seems to raise a special problem relating to the text of the Canberra Agreement . which should be settled between the present participating Governments through direct negotiations as soon as possible, A similar problem arises in the case of the Cook Islands, which, on becoming in 1965 a self- . governing state in association with New Zealand, ceased to be covered by the definition of a "Territory" in Article II of the Canberra Agreement. Negotiations between participating Governments should also clear the way * for the Cook Islands to be admitted as a member of the Commission should it so desire.

7. The Committee notes that, in 1967 and thereafter, the Com- mission has associated the Torritories more closely and more effectively with its activities, in particular by inviting the Conference to discuss and approve the annnai Budget and Work Programme.

8. The Committee recognises that the provisions of the Canberra Agreement, and the practical roforms which have been adopted over the years, form an acceptable basis for the operations of the Commission, Some members believe that the maintenance and improvement of the operations of the Commission may be achieved by continuing along the same lines.

9. However, many members of the Committee also believe that the Canberra Agreement does not adequately reflect proscnt procedures in particular the strengthened role of the Conference and the strengthened co- operation between the Conference and the Connission Session. The same members also believe that this situation will become worse when and if the various recommendations contained within this report are adopted. Conse- quently, many members of the Committee bollovo that appropriate action must be taken to formalize certain changes, not presently provided for in f the Canberra Agreement, so that the Canberra Agreement Tri.ll reflect actual practice, ^he Frcnch representative roserves his position on this para- graphj7 «

10. Some members considered that there was no need to revise the Canberra Agreement in order to improve working relations between the Con- ference and Session.

B: RECOMMENDED CHANGES PJ THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE AND SESSION

11. In a discussion arising out of two proposals listed under Finance, Article XIV of the Canberra Agreement, of the United Kingdom Territories' paper calling for some amendments to the Canberra Agreement, different viewpoints emerged which were not reconciled.

12. In the view of the United Kingdom and its Territories, the changes proposed in the United Kingdom Territories' paper should be incorporated in the Canberra Agreement, or adopted by convention, as appropriate.

13. The representatives of Prance, the French Territories and the New Zealand Territories considered that all changes agreed to by the Com- mittee', should be put to the Conference and Session with a request that they be effected by convention.

14. The representatives of Australia, Nauru, New Zealand, Western Samoa, the United Kingdom, United Kingdom Territories, United States, United StatoB Torritorioo, and tho Territory of Papua and Now Ouinoa, while being prepared to consider specific proposals to amend the Canberra Agree- ment, suggested that, for the sake of early implementation, past and proposed changes as soon as possible be made, the subject of a convention or understanding in order to formalize them. As to amendment of the Canberra Agreement, they believed that rather than piece-meal amendments, all informal changes and.practices should be incorporated at one time in the Canberra Agreement. Thus in their view participating Governments should be encouraged to review and amend the Agreement as soon as possible with a view to having the Agreement reflect practice.

15. The Committee wishes to point out to the Conference that on the questions here, treated they were mindful of the Conference's wish for swift improvements and also of the delays entailed in any amendment of the Canberra Agreement.

16. The Committee therefore recommends:

(a) that these improvements be implemented by convention;

(b) by a majority, that the Conference should recommend to participating Governments to take steps to incorporate these changes formally into the Agreement and so bring , the Agreement up to date.

Appointment of Chairman of the Conference:

17. The Committee:

*(i) Notes the procedure adopted since 1967, for the appointment of the Chairman of the Conference:

(a) the Conference Chairman is appointed ... Commissioner by the participating Govern- ment concerned; ,

(b) 'when the Conference is held at Headquarters the Chairman is a representative of a Terri- tory other than New Caledonia;

(c) when the Conference is held in a State or i,. ... Territory other than New Caledonia, the a;,. ,...... Chairman is a representative of the host .... State or Territory. . .

(ii) Recommends that representatives of those Territories and States which are not in a position to act as the venue of the Conference may nevertheless accede to the Chairmanship by virtue of sub-paragraph (i) 0>)» and the opportunity should be taken to choose a Chairman from' j . • •.' i ,. ' • 4- «

these smaller Territories and States from time to time.-' ,

^he representative of Prance stated that he was satisfied with the above text. • He reserved the position of his Government on the following paragraph. The representative of the New Zealand Territories also saw no need to alter existing arrangements^

18. The majority of the Committee additionally accepts the principle that:

(a) the Chairman of the Conference cease to be required to be a Commissioner of a participating Government, although he may be a Commissioner;

(b) the Conference be empowered to elect its Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Rules of Procedure and the Agenda of the Conference;

19. •' The Committee recommended that the Conference should adopt its own Rules"of Procedure and Agenda within the limits of the competence of the Commission as defined in paragraph 6 of Article IV of the Canberra Agreement. '

20. The Committee recommends to the Conference and Session that the present practice whereby Commissioners of participating Governments participate in the Conference without voting be continued.

Committees of the Confeifence:

21. The Committee considers that ad hoc committees representing both Commissioners and Delegates could be useful in resolving questions requiring detailed study and thereby facilitate the work of both the Con- ference and the Commission Session.

22. The Committee asks the Conference to recommend amendment of its Rules of Procedure, if this is necessary, to cover these committees so that both the Commissioners and Delegates will be entitled to be on them.

Delegates; t

23. The Committee unanimously agreed that the existing practice of SPC paying for one Delegate from each Territory to the Annual Conferences • should be continued. /By convention the SPC pays for two Delegates from the New Hebrides, but they have only one vote between VnemJ

Appointment of Principal Officers of the Commission;

24. In order to associate the Territories more in the appointment of the Secretary-General and Programme Directors, the Committee recommends to the Conference that participating Governments consult their Territories when such matters are raised.

Three-Year Budget Forecasts;

25. There was a lengthy discussion on the desirability of three- year budget forecasts in which the Secretary-General and the Finance Officer 5

explained their support of such a system provided they were rolling budgets and provided annual increments in participating Government contributions were assumed. There was general agreement that the three-year budget pro- gramming was desirable.

26. The Committee therefore recommends that a draft three-year budget forecast should be presented to the Conference and Session, and, in addition to approving the budget of the forthcoming year, the Conference and Session should also be invited to approve in principle the programmes of the succeeding two years, while retaining the power of annual revision of the programme, ^t was noted that the Secretary-General has indicated that he will have no difficulty in presenting a three-year budget forecast if so requested^

27... There was also unanimous acceptance of the principle that the SPC budget contributions by participating Governments should at least be increased as necessary to meet rising costs so as to ensure that there is no reduction in programme activities.

28. There was a large measure of agreement in the view that the annual increase in participating Government contributions should also allow for at least a modest growth rate in the SPC work programme.

Budgetary Contributions;

29. It .was unanimously recommended that budgetary contributions by Territories should remain on a voluntary basis. /The representatives of the French Government and the French Territories felt that such voluntary contributions should be applied only to specific projects^/

Scope for ^Co-operation Between SPC and Individual Territories:

30. The Committee sees no objection to individual Territories and the South Pacific Commission entering into arrangements for technical assistance-' from the Commission on the basis of the Territory m»iHng counter- part contributions.

Research Council:

31. After hearing the views of the Secretary-General and Programme Directors, the"Committee agreed that at present the Research Council was not operative, but that it would probably be unwise at present to take formal aotion to abolish it.

32. The value of having the views of outside experts on the area concerned in the preparation of the Commission's programme, particularly in view of the possibility of three-year budget forecasts, was noted. The Committee also noted that there was already useful consultation between members of the Programme Research and Evaluation Council and members of "the Research Council in individual instances and that some participating Governments had arranged for their Research Council Membei-s to be included in missions which were in any case visiting SPC Headquarters.

33. The Committee thought that participating Governments might cin- sider whether at some future joint meeting of the Conference and Research Council-the future of the Research Council be decided.

34. - The majority considered that, if meetings of the Research Council were to be resumed, the fares and hotel costs of members should not e

come out of the SPC Budget. ^The New Zealand Territories' representative believed that the Research Council should not be reactivated as a body which would meet periodically^

AGENDA ITEM 3

Future-Rftle of the South Pacific Commission

35. The following points emerged as a consensus of the views of the Committee with respect to the future rdle of the Commission.

(i) The environment in which the Commission operates is in a period of increasing change. Consequently, the Commission, if it is to be strengthened, must adapt itself and its operations in the fields of economic, social and health development to its changing environment. In this respect, it is believed that:

(a) The Commission can become an even more effective forum for the purpose of stimulating closer co- operation among, and ties of practical value to, the Territories and States within the region - both at the regional and sub-regional levels. Recommendations which serve this end are contained elsewhere in this report.

* ' (b) The Commission already serves as a catalyst for, and as an organizer and funder of, economic and social projects of importance to the region. With the entrance of various ON Agencies and other donor institutions into the area, it can and should play a more effective co-ordinating r8le in assisting to determine needs and priorities, and in marshalling resources to cope " with thoss needs.

(c) However, the Commission is not and probably cannot become an agency for the direct funding of major capital works. Such projects remain primarily the responsibility of the Territories and States directly concerned, and of any other States with which they may be associated through constitutional or other links, with the possibility of assistance from UN and other agencies prepared to offer capital and technical assistance for projects of this character. However, the Commission can assist Territories and States in soliciting capital works and other project assistance from other agencies and institutions.

(ii) While the forum aspect of the Commission has increased in importance! the work programme is being overshadowed to some extent in many fields by similar programmes of the TJN Specialized Agencies (particularly MO in the field of health) which have much greater resources. There has also been expansion of activities of other organizations (such as the East-West Center), and a significant increase in recent years of the resources directly and internally available to many Terri- tories. Nonetheless, the Commission remains the only organization with a charter for region-wide activities, and it is the only organization which regularly brings together all of the Territories, States, and administer- ing powers within the region for the purpose of identifying problems, sort- ing out relative priorities, and seeking means to overcome those problems. 7

It is in this area that the Committee believes the future rdle of the Com- « mission can be most effectively strengthened. Measures to serve this end should include the following:

(a) The sponsorship of high-level meetings or seminars • directed at a co-ordinated approach to specific problems by senior government officials and tech- nicians, and by representatives of all concerned agencies or institutions including the UN Special- ized Agencies. This type of activity can be used to strengthen the Commission's r&le as the regional . development co-ordinator.

(b) The Commission's potential as a co-ordinating agency for regional development has been restricted by the inability of tho various UN Specialized Agencies to recognize the Commission as a negotiating entity. The indispensable pre-requisit« for effective co-operation is the recognition by the UN Specialized Agencies of the Commission as a , negotiating entity. Specific proposals designed to . - remedy this situation are contained elsewhere in ..., this report,

(c) Once the Commission is empowered to negotiate _. . directly with the UN Specialized Ag3ncies, it can and should also serve as a "clearing-house" or agent for Territories or States requiring assistance. - The Commission, on request, should assist in identifying the character of assistance needed, and then serve as an agent in arranging that assistance, whether, from the Commission itself, or from o.thor agencies and institutions. However, this is not to be con- strued to mean that any Territory or State would be restricted from turning directly, if they so choose, to other agencies or institutions for assistance.

(d) At all times the Commission should remain in close liaison with the UN Specialized Agencies and other institutions operating in the area to avoid dupli- cation of effort and the wastage of resources. That institution or agency, including the Commission, Which is best equipped to engago in any particular activity should receive the co-operation of all other institutions and agencies, not their competition.

(iii) Although the Work Programme was not examined in detail, concern was-^expressed by some Committee Members that a proliferation of small projects nay have resulted in the Commission spreading itself too thinly at times and-of. attempting too much with too few resources. It was suggested by these Members-that more positive results might be obtained from fewer projects which are more adequately funded and staffed. -.However, a majority of Members, axjd especially those representing small Territories and States within the region, pointed out that often the small projects are those of greatest value to them, and that projects of this naturo could not be easily arranged other than through the Commission. All Committoe Members agreed that thie latter point of view should be given serious consideration when the composition of the Commission's Work Programme is being determined. It was further agreed that for all States and Territories of the region, seminars and training courses, as well as small projects at the village level (including sanitation, co-operatives, agricultural training, and home economics) are still indispensable. 8

(iv) It was also agreed that where appropriate more use could be made of the multi-disciplinary approach to projects, as envisaged in the * establishment of the Programme Research and Evaluation Council, resulting in a more concentrated employment of the Commission's experts to tackle simul- taneously the health, economic and social aspects of a particular problem.

Relations Between the South Pacific Commission and United Nations Specialized Agencies:

36. The Committee:

(i) Notes that the Commission has already accepted or sought the co-operation of the United Nations Specialized Agencies, either in the form of secondment to it of experts from these Agencies and provision of consultants, or, more importantly, in the form of participation in the implementation of important long-tenn projects.

(ii) Requests the next Conference to recommend to the Secretary- G«neral and to participating Governments of the Commission, who are also members of the United Nations, that they take appropriate measures to ensure that this co-operation is consolidated and extended as much as possible so ' that the Commission could use its thorough knowledge of the area and the high esteem in which it is held by the Territories for the common good. <• (ill) Hopes that the further development of co-ordination and co- operation between the Commission and the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies will help the Commission to play its part as the regional co- ordinator of technical co-operation. In this "clearing-house" r&le the Commission can aid Territories not only from its own resources but will be able to put them in touch with the greater resources of those Agencies and other institutions. It is expected also that the Commission can play a part in the field of research and feasibility studies which precede- the approval of programmes of technical co-operation sponsored by those Agencies and institutions.

37. The Committee noted that the Government of Australia had made enquiries in New York with a view to improving negotiating procedures between the Commission and the United Nations Specialized Agencies. A note on the present situation follows:

Summary of Discussions Between Australia and the United Nations Development Programme on Relations Between the South Pacific Commission and United Nations Specialized Agencies

"It became clear that the problem for the Agencies in accepting project requests from the Secretary-General of the South Pacific Commission lies in the terms of General Assembly and Economic and Social Council resolutions stipulating that projects shall be undertaken only at the request of governments eligible to participate in the • Special Fund and Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance. The SPC quite clearly is not covered by the terms of these resolutions. It was further understood that the only way ' of getting around the problem would be for each of the ; member Governments of the Commission to send letters to the Administrator of the United Nations Development Fund, pre- ferably in identical terms, which would give the Secretary- General of the Commission a blanket or restricted authority to assume the responsibility for the usual obligations of recipient governments in the implementation of projects, i.e., with regard to incurring local costs and in the provision of local services". 9

36. The representatives of the participating Governments of the Com- mission considered that it should he possible to reach agreement on the terms of such a letter and agreed to take the necessary further steps in this matter.

39. The Committee felt that the Secretariat should make further efforts to improve liaison and co-operation with United Nations Agencies. It was pointed out that United Nations bodies in fact seek SPC advice in considering their own planning.

AGENDA ITEM 4

Organization of the Secretariat;

40. The Committee expressed its thanks to the Secretary-General for the exposition of his first impressions of the Secretariat's organization. It noted that this was a matter which would normally be raised in the Secretary-General's report to the 1970 Conference and Session by which time he would have had more time to consider the matter, in particular the extent to which he believed that this organization required change or is capable as it stands of evolving to fit in with the changing circumstances of the area.

AGENDA ITEM 5

Appointment of Committees;

41. A Drafting Committee was appointed comprising representatives of France, United Kingdom Territories, United States, and New Zealand Territories. The Chairman was the Seoretaiy of the Committee.

42. A Finance Committee was not appointed as discussion on other Agenda Items included consideration of financial aspects.

Finance:

43. The Committee notes that pursuant to paragraph 36(b) of the Proceedings of the Thirty-Second Session of the Commission, the Secretariat has drafted changes in the Financial Regulations to facilitate the use of appropriated funds for the approved Work Programme and from surplus funds for such other projects of high priority as can be accomplished. The Committee endorses the principle involved.

Original Text: English