THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1522, 22 June 1886, Page 1

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

London, June J 7

In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Bryce, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, replying to a question, stated that M. Freycinet, the French Premier, had renewed the assurances previously given, that France would respect the independence of tbe New Hebrides, but that Lord Lyons, the British Ambassador, had been instructed to call attention to the fact that hoisting the French flag in that group had occasioned greet excitement in the Australian colonies. Mr Bryce farther stated that the captain of H.M.S Undine had been ordered t< proceed to the New Hebrides, to report to Government as to the actual state ol affairs in the group. Sir Robert Herbert, Permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies, has informed Mr Graham Berry, AgentGeneral for Victoria, that Government had decided to forward the request to the French Government that the New Hebrides should be evacuated by its troops as soon as fear of outrages on French subjects has been removed. The Times publishes Sir Andrew Clarke’s despatch on the New Hebrides question, in which be states that if tbe French flag is hoisted it would be flatly contrary to the plain engagement entered into by France, and would be a most dishonorable act on the part of that country. The Standard considers that Lord Rosebery must ask for reparation, and that it would be belter to quarrel with France than with the colonies.

The Pall Mall Gazette, in an article on the New Hebrides question, contends that Lord Lyons, British Ambassador at Paris, should demand bin passport from the French Government if the French flag is not hauled down.

Since the details regarding the despatch of the warship Dives have arrived, Mr Berry has had an interview with Earl Granville, and protested to him against the flagrant breach by Prance of the agreement with England, and argued that prompt action could alone prevent the absolute ann o x9lion of the New Hebrides. It is stated in Paris that five massacres have occurred at the New Hebrides,and that, although troops were landed, there was no formal hoisting ol the French colors.

June 19.

The Morning Post to-day states that M. de Freycinet, the French Premier, has declared that the warship Dives has not been authorised to hoist the French flag at the New Hebrides. In tbe House of Lords to-day, Earl Kimberley, Secretary of Elate for India, in reply to a question put by tho Marquis of Salisbury, staled that Lord Lyons, the British Ambassador at Paris, yesterday saw M. de Freycinet, the French Premier, who stated he had not been informed of the hoisting of the French flag at the New Hebrides, but he had cabled on Wednesday last to the Governor of Now Caledonia, instructing him that if the hoisting of the flag had been effected it should cease forthwith.

The Hon. J. Bryce, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, states that M. Freycinet, the French Premier, has promised to supply the English Government with the details of the murders of French subjects in the New Hebrides, ami also with details respecting the visit of tbe warship Dives to those islands. The pledges given by M. Freycinet are of a reassuring nature. The newspaper Le Temps, iu a leading article tc-day, urges that a fresh arrangement be come to between England and France regarding the New Hebrides,

Sydney, June 19.

Dr Steele has sent a letter to the Premier, asking that steps should be taken for the protection of the missionaries in tbe New Hebrides, Melbourne, June 18,

An influential deputation of Presbyterian clergy waited to day upon tbe Premier, to urge the protection of British interests in the New Hebrides. In reply to tbe speakers, Mr Gillies said he concurred heartily with their views, and maintained that England had an equal right with France to hoist her flag on the New Hebrides. He promised immediately to represent the views of the deputation to the Governor, and request his Excellency to ask Admiral Tryon to take steps to prevent interference with the rights and interests of the missionaries in the New Hebrides,

June 19

The Agent-General has telegraphed to the Government, stating that great excitement is b-ing manifested' in England at the action of France in regard to the New Hebrides, and the people are almost unanimous in condemning the French proceedings.

In the New Zealand Parliament iut Friday evening, Sir Robert Stont read the following telegram from the AgentGeneral ;—“ French landing and hoisting flag created strong sensation, coming bo soon after Preycinet'a assurance. Articles condemning action appeared in to-day’s papers. Will telegraph again aoon.”