15

A.—s

be sent by France to any of her possessions in the Western Pacific; (b) that protection, religious freedom, and peaceable possession of their rights and properties be granted to all British subjects residing in or resorting to the New Hebrides, and especially to the Presbyterian mission established there ; (c) that freedom of trade and commerce be guaranteed to British subjects equally with those of France ; (d) that the island of Eapa be ceded by France to Great Britain." Mr. Orinond, who also spoke, said he disagreed with both motion and amendment, and gave notice that he would propose an amendment when the present one was disposed of as follows : " This House desires to convey to the Home Government its opinion that, in affecting a settlement of the question at issue between Great Britain and France in connection with the Pacific Islands, the chief point of interest to this colony, which is believed to be shared by all the Australasian Colonies, is that the deportation of convicts by France to any of her possessions in the Western Pacific should cease, and next, that, failing Great Britain being willing to extend her protectorate to those islands, the rights and interests of Her Majesty's subjects in those islands should be secured to them, and that this will best be attained by such an agreement with other Powers as will recognize the independence of the Government of the different groups of islands, subject to freedom of trade, commerce, and security of civil and religious liberty to all nations." Last night the matter was again debated, and Mr. Montgomery, who spoke, said that he preferred a motion as follows : " That this House is of opinion that Great Britain should strenuously object to France occupying or annexing the New Hebrides." In consequence, however, of the telegrams that have ajipeared in the papers as to France taking possession of the islands of Mallicolo and Sandwich, by planting a military depot and hoisting its nag, it was felt that it would be impossible to discuss the question at its present stage, and Sir Julius Vogel moved the adjournment of the debate, which was seconded by the Hon. Major Atkinson, and unanimously agreed to. The action of the French in occupying, if not annexing the islands, pending negotiations with Great Britain, have caused, and will yet cause, profound irritation. Many members who would have voted for Mr. Scobie Mackenzie's amendment will now, I believe, support Mr. Montgomery. I hope it may turn out that the action of the " Dives " and the New Caledonian authorities has been without the sanction of the French Government. I cannot say, however, that the conduct of France is unexpected. In my letter to the Presbyterian Church I pointed out the contingency of such an event happening. It only shows the greater need of some definite arrangement being come to with France. If France does not repudiate the action of her authorities at the islands, then I expect the House will possibly carry Mr. Montgomery's amendment. Ido not see how, in face of such a breach of faith—if such it be—the House can be expected to urge the Imperial Government to continue negotiations. I enclose you copy of the Hansard containing the speeches of members on the subject so far as they have been published; also slips of the debates in the Legislative Council, in which, as you will see, the Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker has moved similar resolutions to those proposed by Mr. Scobie Mackenzie, and to which the Hon. Dr. Menzies has given notice to move an amendment almost similar to that of Mr. Ormoud in the Lower House. The debate in the Council, which is set down for Monday, will, I have no doubt, under the circumstances I have mentioned, be still further adjourned. I have, &c, Sir F. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General. Eobeet Stout.

EA.-SA, 1886, . No. 40.

• Vol. 54, p. 404, i 475, 610.

No. 16. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemier. To Premier, New Zealand. Hebeides. —French Government still disclaims any intention annexing. Freycinet cabled Governor Caledonia discontinue flying tricolour. I think France intends making fresh proposals soon. Instruct whether shall pursue same course, because Berry Samuel instructed widely different. Constant inquiries which side New Zealand takes. 19th June, 1886. F. D. Bell.

No. 17. The Seceetaey of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. (Telegram.) 21st June, 1886. Loed Lyons telegraphs that he is informed by M. de Freycinet to-day that French Government have not received news that flag had been hoisted at New Hebrides; but nevertheless orders have been sent to Governor New Caledonia that if hoisting has taken place it should be at once discontinued. No intelligence received by French Government in confirmation of other newspaper reports.

No. 18. His Excellency the Goveenoe to the Secketaey of State for the Colonies. (Telegram.) Ist July, 1886. New Hebeides. —House passed resolutions recognizing difficulties Imperial Government regarding Pacific Islands, urging no consent' to temporary occupation, considering islands should remain unannexed ; but, if Imperial Government consider it highly expedient to allow French annexation, then conviction should cease, British subjects be protected, Eapa ceded, Earotonga and adjacent islands annexed, and labour traffic, if continued, controlled. Full resolutions by mail.