the issue of sovereignty were a real "gut" reaction which could not
be rationalised but was none the less real for that. Hence the case
produced to support their claim is "to some extent"
irrelevant.
Nevertheless Mr Posnett examined that case with great care in
Chapter 8 of his Report.
6. Mr Posnett did not consult the Banaban advisers.
Answer: It is correct that Mr Posnett did not consult the Banaban
advisers and on page 24 of his Report he explains why: "After some
deliberation I later decided that this would be inappropriate and
that it would anyway not be right to appear to interpose myself
between the Banabans and their advisers." The particular matters
on which the advisers would have been qualified to speak for the
Banabans, namely those concerning phosphate prices and the legal
matters arising from the High Court case were in any case excluded
from Mr Posnett's report for the reasons mentioned (see point 1 above).
7. Mr Posnett is wrong in saying that the BPC on Ocean Island would gladly employ Banabans. They have repeatedly failed or refused to do so.
Answer:
Mr Posnett merely quotes the Island Manager of BPC who
said he would welcome Banaban employees.
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