THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16575, 7 November 1921, Page 7

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

NEGOTIATIONS FOR SALE. OFFER TO AUSTRALIA. By Telotrraph—Pres<* Association— Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 7, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, November 5. With reference to Australian reports relative to the sale of a French company's properties in the New Hebrides, it is learned that Mr John Hamilton, London representative of the company, endeavoured to personally, see Mr W. M. Hughes when the latter was in London. He was apparently unsuccessful. Therefore he submitted a proposal in writing on June ‘Jo. Mr Hamilton made it clear that the proposal had been disclosed to tbe French Government, who offered no objection to the transaction, and also that the whole French interests were covered bv the sale, thus giving the Australian Government predominating control in the New Hebrides which she desired. Further cables were passed after Mr Hughes left Fngland, and the latter cabled on September 27 promising a reply after the Cabinet’s consideration and asking for an extension of the option. Mr Hamilton was anxious to receive a reply prior to the meeting of the French company on October 27. On October 31 he sent a cable stating that the company, failing immediate acceptance of the offer, must deal elsewhere. Americans were trying to negotiate with Mr Hamilton, who was still without a rejdy to his cables. Mr Hamilton also offered to accept payment in bonds, if convenient to Australia, maturing over five years, and suggesting the payment of 7,000,C00 francs in the first year, 3.000,0(X) in the second and 5,000,000 in each of the three following years. The whole of the title deeds were deposited in Noumea. Mr Hamilton states that the French Foreign Office asserted that the sale would give full political rights. It is known that when Mr Hughes was in London he discussed the New Hebrides question with the Imperial authorities, and afterwards saw the French authorities in Paris on the subject. He should therefore be in possession of very definite knowledge of the whole situation. The following report was received oil Saturday from Melbourne: —ln the House of Representatives Mr Hughes submitted an offer by a French company in the New Hebrides. The company desires to sell the whole French interest in about half of the New Hebrides to Australia for £50,000. It was stated that Japan and America were anxious to purchase. Mr Hughes personally opposed the scheme, mainly on account of the condominium administration. He also doubted whether a clear title was obtainable.