THE WRONG FLAG RUN UP

Northern Advocate, 8 June 1936, Page 7

THE WRONG FLAG RUN UP

FRENCH SLOOP’S VISIT TO WELLINGTON A BREACH OF ETIQUETTE [Per Pres§ AssocU&tafa—Copyright! WELLINGTON, This Day. The hoisting of the wrong flag at Point Jerningham when the French warship Savorgnan de Brazza entered Wellington Harbour on Friday caused discomforture to the commander, Captain Louis Robert, and difficulties for the New Zealand military authorities. Instead of the French tricolour, the Union Jack was run up on the battery flagstaff when the sloop’s salute was answered. This was a breach of etiquette, capable of being interpreted as a gesture hot of welcome, but of defiance. Off Point Jerningham the sloop broke out the white ensign and fired nine guns. The battery hoisted the British colours and replied with 21 guns, the correct procedure being the hoisting of the French flag and a reply of nine guns.

Captain Robert was nonplussed, and there was some talk on board of putting to sea again. Explanations were made when he landed, and the matter was rectified by a special salute in the afternoon with the French flag and nine guns.

Major-General Sir William Sinclair Burgess, General Officer Commanding New Zealand Military Forces, said the usual officer responsible for the firing of the salute was absent and, while there was nothing in the regulations, the usual observance was to fly the flag of the nation being saluted. As Captain Robert seemed perturbed by the incident when he paid his official call, Major-General Burgess ordered the firing of a second salute after he returned the call in the afternoon. Its firing was accepted by the French as satisfactory evidence of New Zealand’s friendly relations.