THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1268, 19 June 1886, Page 3

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

(renter's TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT ) London, June 17 In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Bryce, the Under secretary for Foreign Affairs, replying to a question stated that M. Freycinet, the trench Premier, had renewed the assurances previously given that France would respect the independence of the 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 great excitement in the Australian colonies. Mr Bryce further stated that the captain of H.M.S. Undine had been ordered to proceed to the New Hebrides and report to Government as to the actual slate of affairs in the group.

Sir Robert Herbert, the Permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies, has informed Mr Graham Berry, AgentGeneral for Victoria, that the Government have decided to forward a request to the French Government that the New Hebrides should be evacuated by its troops as soon as the tear of outrages on the trench subjects has been removed.

London, June 19. The “ Morning Post ” to-day states M. de Freycinet the Ftench Premier has declared the warship Dives has not been authorised to hoist the trench flag at the New Hebrides. Melbourne, June 19. The Agent General has telegraphed to the Government that great excitement is. being manifested in England at the action of France in regard to the New Hebrides. The press are unanimous in condemning the French proceeding. Melbourne, June 19.

It is reported here to-day that the French Government have sent instructions to the Governor of New Caledonia to cause steps to be taken to have the French flag at the New Hebrides hauled down without delay.