THE PACIFIC

Otago Witness, Issue 3105, 17 September 1913, Page 26

THE PACIFIC

FRENCH KEENLY INTERESTED

MELBOURNE, September 10,

A deputation from the Australian Natives Association asked Mr Glynn today to submit to the Imperial Government a proposal to open negotiations with the French Government for the cession and control of New Caledonia to Australia in exchange for British territory in some other part of the world. Mr Glynn undertook to submit the proposal to the Cabinet, and, if the opportunity arose, to the British Government.

September 11

Mr Glynn told the deputation from the Australian Natives’ Association, which waited on him yesterday, tkat the French were less apathetic regarding the Pacific than some people thought. From the French newspapers and the report of the commission on the effects of the Panama Canal on French interests in the Pacific he gathered that the French were almost British in their anxiety to develop trade and maintain their interests in the Pacific. The question presented more difficulties than most people were aware, and lie believed that these would not be removed unless Australia acted. He appreciated the advantages erf Australia having control of New Caledonia, but it would entail serious obligations. If the' integrity of Australian interests and the necessities of the Empire demanded that they should face new responsibilities the

Commonwealth would do so. The French, however, had a keen sense of national honour and of the importance of preserving their interests in the Pacific. He would be glad to see the deputation’s suggestion carried out, but it was impossible to disregard the French point of view.