UN General Assembly
1961

108, Let us look closely, for instance at the so-called "Papuan Council", set up by the Netherlands Government, of which the Assembly has been informed. It was set up in West Irian as a supposedly representative council of the people. According to Mr. Luns, it constitutes a first step towards self-government. 109, The Papuan Council, established only on 5 April 1961, is naturally headed by a Dutch official, appointed by the Dutch colonial Government, The same holds true as regards the Executive Secretary of the Council, Needless to say, the work and policy of this advisory council—which, by the way, is composed mostly of Netherlanders and pro-Netherlands West Irianese, induced in various ways to become pro-Netherlands and most of them are officials of the colonial administration-is entirely under the guidance of the Dutch Chairman and Executive Secretary. Is there any sort of self-determination of the people of West Irian in such a Council?