NEW CALEDONIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23767, 21 September 1940, Page 11

NEW CALEDONIA

STAND BY BRITAIN TIES WITH AUSTRALIA .FUTURE TRADE HOPES SYDNEY. Sept. 20 Following the Australian Government's receipt of advice from Noumea that New Caledonia had declared itself for Free France and linked up with General de Gaulle, comment was made by the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Menzies. He said the internal government of New Caledonia was a matter for its people, but Australia was riaturally interested in the developments there, which meant a friendly French colony strengthening the close economic and cultural ties already existing between Australia and New Caledonia. "We have extensive trade relations there and we will continue to watch affairs with helpful and sympathetic interest," Mr. Menzies said. "We hope that as soon as possible there will be a measure of economic co-operation, not as a matter of hostility to anyone, but as a matter of mutual interest. "New Caledonia produces much nickel, chrome and ores of which Australia recently has made substantial purchases." The new Governor, M. Sautot, who took office yesterday, said, when addressing a large crowd of residents, that the French Empire was not conquered. He added: "We must rally to the cause and not depend on Hitler's goodwill, but stand by Britain, whose aim is to save France."

BRITAIN'S MOAT WEATHER IN CHANNEL GALE AND HEAVY SEAS (Received September 20. 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 19 A slight mist was hanging over the Straits of Dover during the day and the sky was overcast. A stiff southwind was blowing. A rainstorm broke over the Straits at sunset, when a strong south-west-early gale was lashing the cliffs. Fairly heavy seas were running, and visibility was limited.