Epilsion angers Hyden

Press, 13 January 1987, Page 8

Epilsion angers Hyden

NZPA-Reuter Sydney ' Australia’s Foreign Min--ister, Bill «Hayden, expressed anger yesterday over the French decision to expel the consul-gen-eral from New Caledonia, 1 but said Australia would be “controlled" in its reaction. He sent a strong protest note to the French Government on Sunday critic : ising the diplomat’s expulsion as unjustified and capricious. Mr John Dauth has been declared persona non grata and asked to leave New Caledonia within a month. A French Foreign Ministry official said in Paris, the action was against one individual and Australia had been asked ito send another diplomat to Noumea.

The official said Mr Dauth’s behaviour was contrary to diplomatic practices, but did not elaborate.

Mr Dauth’s expulsion was linked to a recent successful move by South Pacific nations, including Australia, to seek United Nations intervention In New Caledonia’S independence. Australia would weigh possible action against France, “but we’re not going to be excessive or lack balance in our emotions,” he said. “Our note to (the French) bluntly tells them they've got no justification for the action that they’ve taken,” he added. Mr Dauth, who was also interviewed on the. same radio programme, said he was not aware of having

toNew ties. ment in criticising t! expulsion. > The Shadow Foreign I fairs Minister, Andri Peacock, said the Go ver ment was following no cies in support of sei determination and dec lonisation that had bet pursued by Australian governmenls: “.While, critical i Labour's neglect of ti South Pacific in gener and its abdication of n sponsibility regardli A.N.Z.U.S., nevertheles the Opposition believed is the French who ai wrong regarding k Dauth and not the Aosta lian Government,” h Peacock said. •<?