THE NEW HEBRIDES: WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19249, 13 August 1924, Page 4

THE NEW HEBRIDES: WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

TO THE fiDITO*. Sen, —May I through your columns ask those who are interested in New Zealand's foreign policy, and particularly the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, to study the reply given by Mr Massey to the deputation which waited on him with regard to the New Hebrides? I take it that wo are all sincerely anxious that a better state of affairs should be brought about in that group than exists under the Oondontinium. It is not only a reproach to both Britain and France, but it is a potential cause ot trouble between the two nations iust as Samoa was a potential cause of trouble from 1878 to the outbreak of the war. Prom either point of view we ought to get a settlement while relations between the two nations are good. New Zealand’s interest in the New Hebrides is not a territorial one or an economic one. It is something higher than either—a moral interest. The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand has done work in the mission field that entitles New Zealand to be heard in any conference on the future of the group. What we want now is to be heard effectively ; and the only way to be heard effectively ano to contribute something useful to the dr - cuesion is to adifpt a course which will lead to a practical settlement. Mr Massey, I submit, indicated to the deputation the only course that is practical. I have been aware for years, from discussions with French people and with British officials, that there is no chance whatever of France retiring from the New Hebrides. And why should she? We believe that her rule there is not for the good of the Natives, but naturally France does not think so. And she is entitled to her opinion. Moreover, she has rights there which are absolutely equal with British rights. That was acknowledged diplomatically nearly 50 years ago, and at various times since. We cannot, therefore, expect France to withdraw. Moreover, she requires portion at least of the New Hebrides to complete her possession in New Caledonia. Let us. then, abandon as impracticable—as undoubtedly it is—the hope that Prance will consent te leave the New Hebrides, to ais. The only thing to do is to look for something that is practicable and that will at any rate improve the condition of the group and above all make each nation responsible for its own jurisdiction. If public, opinion in New Zealand will only accept Mr Massey’s suggestion and support him in asking ibr a definite partition of the islands we shall bo on much better ground and there will be a reasonable hope of getting something done. No doubt it will be galling to think of abandoning some islands in which our Presbyterian Church has done such good work ; but if by so doing we are going to improve the position in others, to make France directly responsible for the state of affairs in her own islands and to remove a cause or friction between the two nations then we shall surely be making a forward move.

In suggesting that public opinion should accept this solution I am conscious that I am appealing primarily to the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. lam convinced that it is the onfv practical solution. and that if adopted it will greatly improve the condition of the Natives 01 the New Hebrides. —I am, etc., Out H. SCHOLEITEI.X). Masterton. August 9.