FIGHTING FRENCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 307, 30 December 1942, Page 2

FIGHTING FRENCH

ACTIVITIES IN PACIFIC Noumea. Dec. 9. The appointment of Colonel of Reserve Governor Henri Montchamp to command the Fighting French troops in New Caledonia and deoendencies, and the extension of his administrative authority over the New Hebrides Condominium and. Wallis and Futuna protectorates, coincides with an inspection tour of Tahiti and other areas of the French Pacific by the High Commissioner, Rear-Admiral d'Argenlieu. The latter is now in the United States. He told the newspaper men who called on him in San Francisco that an important group of Fighting French forces was co-operat-ing with the Americans in the 300 French islands of the Pacific, especially. he indicated, in the New Hebrides and in Tahiti. People in Noumea are wondering if the High Commissionc'r will go on to Washington to meet General de Gaulle and discuss Pacific problems with State Department officials. Before leaving Noumea. Rear-Admiral d’Argenlieu. who understands the importance of publicity and who has lived a more stormy and dramatic life than the well-loved though modest High Commissioner Sautot, started a propaganda bureau or Servise de information in Noumea, the head of which is Mr. E. L. Ricard, former Free French representative in Batavia.