The Native Iowan

I have many reasons to be interested in what happens in the Pacific Islands. My sense of History tells me the Pacific is important. We saw in the 1940s how the pivot point in the WW2 pacific theatre was Solomon Islands. East to West, North to South the Pacific theatre was and remains strategically and economically important.

I moved to Solomon Islands 44years ago. Unknowingly, at the time, it was to become my home. I had a 2year contract, thought I’d be away for 2years, no more. But life leads us on circuitous adventures, thats for sure!

In the early 80s the USofA still had a good “name” in the Pacific. I traveled over those early years, visited most of the Pacific Island Nations, talked to folks wherever I went. The overall attitude towards the “West”, the old Colonial Powers, the US, England, France, et al was very positive. The memory of WW2 was still alive then.

As the memory of WW2 faded, the affinity, the friendship, the positive relationship between old allies faded as well.

When I arrived in the Solomons, the US Embassy was an important fixture in the Community. The biggest diplomatic delegation then was the British High Commission. The Yanks were 2nd largest, Aussies were there but smaller. Diplomatic events were regular and fun: The arrival of a Naval Vessel, Melbourne Cup, 4th of July, 7th July, ANZAC Day… All saw the Embassies and High Commission contribute to what would always be a good event, a fun social celebration.

Into the 1980s and the US Embassy pulled out, US Offices in PNG took over the Solomons. The Brits started downgrading, the Aussie’s started building.

By the 90s it was all changed… No US Consular Offices. Brits had a small office with few staff. The Aussies were building a new, big High Commission. They increased their staffing numbers. It was evident that Australia was claiming custodianship over the Solomons, over the Pacific.

The 90s saw Civil Wars spread through the Pacific Islands… PNG/ Bougainville, Solomons, Fiji all saw protracted, still ongoing, conflict and tension. From 2000 to current Australia has been involved in what is called “Peace Keeping” duties in the Solomons.

To some the Aussie contingent was never aligned with the Solomons. There was very seldom a sense of friendship, partnership, familial cooperation. The Aussies at that time had a heavy hand. I reference the Julian Moti affair: https://www.smh.com.au/national/moti-to-sue-over-kidnap-ordeal-20111210-1ookt.html

Was Moti illegally abducted and sent to Aus for trial? It’s a big, long story worth a fair bit of study. I was never a fan of Julian Moti, I thought him to be a sleaze, And I do believe the Aussie Authorities in Honiara at the time used strong arm (illegal) tactics to remove Moti and his family from the country.

That was all in 2011. The then Solomons Prime Minster took it all as a person insult. The Aussies never had a firm foothold after that.

By 2020 the PM and his Cabinet decided to cease recognition of Taiwan and support and court relations with China.

Five years later China holds hegemony.

In recent years the US and Aus have tried, through cheque book diplomacy, to bring the Pacific island nations back into the “western” fold. Yet, as recent events in PNG show us, Aus has lost influence.

I speak as a Solomon Islander…. Islanders are simple folks. Islanders have simple needs. Islanders respect strength. Islanders despise weakness.

I do not think Mr Albo has much of a chance to regain popularity and influence in the Pacific Theatre.