Biographical documentary on the occasion of the death of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Luns. The film examines the personality and motives of Luns. In this documentary, from 6' to 22' the subject is the New Guinea issue. Luns declares (1961) that as far as he himself and the Dutch government are concerned 'primarily the self-determination of the Papuan population' come first. After Robert Kennedy's visit to The Hague, Luns has to give up his policy, supported by parliament, on New Guinea.