The birthday of the world's latest self-governing nation was a subdued, almost furtive occasion. Joy was restrained, to say the least, and so were the celebrations. Pubs and clubs in all of Papua New Guinea were closed not only on Dec. 1, the first day of self-rule, but also on the days preceding and following the historic event. The passage of power was officially marked only by a brief ceremony in the capital of Port Moresby, where the Australian administrator changed his title to high commissioner, the equivalent of ambassador.
"We wanted...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
