The coat of arms of Netherlands New Guinea was one of a number of national symbols chosen by the Papuan representative body the New Guinea Council in 1961. The coat of arms was not however recorded in the National Committee October 1961 manifesto unlike the flag and anthem. The design on the shield incorporated the new flag the Morning Star flag. The shield was supported by two lesser birds-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) and surrounded by a garland of local flowers and a scroll bearing the motto "Setia, djudjur, Mesra" (Loyal, Honest, Affectionate).