FRANCE IN THE PACIFIC.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1853, 12 September 1913, Page 7

FRANCE IN THE PACIFIC.

4 AUSTRALIA AND NEW CALEDONIA. By Telezraph—Press Association— Copyright Melbourne, September 11. In the course of his reply (part of which was cabled yesterday) to the request of a deputation from the Australian Natives' Association to submit to the Imperial Government a proposal to open negotiations with tho French Government for the cession and control of New Caledonia to Australia, in exchange for British territory in some, other"part of the world, Mr.'P. M. Glvnn, Federal Minister for External Affairs, said that tho French were less apathetic regarding tho Pacific than 1 some people thought. From French newspapers, and the report of a. commission on the effects of tho Panama Canal on French interests in the Pacific, he had gathered that tho French were almost British in their anxioty to develop trade and maintain their interests in the Pacific: , Tho question was surrounded by more difficulties than most people were awaro. He belived these difficulties would not bo removed unless Australia acted. He appreciated the advantages of Australia having control over New Caledonia, but such would entail serious obligations. However, he added, if the integrity of Australian interests and tlio necessities of Empire demanded the facing of new responsibilities the Commons ealth would do so. Tho French, had a keen senso of national honour and or tlie importance of preserving their liiteiest.s in the Pacific, and it would bo impossible to disregard the French point of view.