CONTROL OF NEW HEBRIDES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18498, 20 February 1930, Page 9

CONTROL OF NEW HEBRIDES.

Offer to Australia

SALE OF FRENCH INTERESTS.

(United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received February 18, 6.55 p.m.) LONDON, February 18. The New Hebrides negotiator interviewed the Assistant Secretary (Mr Duffy), who intimated to Sir Granville Ryrie that the extension of the period of the consideration terminates on February 28. Mr Duffy protested that an extension was desirable enabling the fullest title investigations. The negotiator replied: “You have had ample time to investigate, but if the Government is still unsatisfied, I will endeavour to obtain a short extension.” It is understood that, in the event of no sale to the Commonwealth, a colonial trading organisation is desirous of buying. TA London cable message of February 11 stated that it is understood that a negotiator is now in London for the purpose of offering to the Commonwealth the majority holding of French interests in New Hebrides properties. Realising the importance of this holding to Australian interests, the negotiator has obtained an extension of the option to sell until February 20. He says the Japanese authorities in Paris manifested the keenest interest, and are making enticing overtures. The negotiator has, however, decided to afford the Commonwealth the first refusal of the holding, which he claims virtually carries the proprietorial rights in the New Hebrides, which is a group of Islands lying west of Fiji, administered jointly by French and British officials. There have been continual complaints by the British settlers, and in 1927 the British Government appointed a Royal Commission '“to report upon the position of British settlers in the New Hebrides, with special reference to any disadvantages under which they may be working in comparison with French settlers.” It later reported to the Government, but the report has never been pub’ : hed. A copy was sent to the Common jalth Government, but Mr S M. Bruce, the Prime Minister, intimated that the contents would not be disclosed. The seriousness of the position had long been recognised, but the difficulty was that the French point of view did not coincide with that of Australia. One point alleged is that the French can use cheap indentured Asiatic labour, which the British cannot.]