THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1912, 21 November 1913, Page 10

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

GREAT BRITAIN'S RTJMOTjRED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE. Notwithstanding . the present circulation of the statement- that. tho imperial Government proposes to., hand over the full control of the New Hebrides to France on certain conditions, the eral' Government (the "Age" remarkfi) Still manifests 110 , anxiety. On the other baud, while declining to make known the reasons for its complacent attitude, it maintains, that there is Ho justification whatever for the fears that bsj'e been expressed, "1 can only.say," said the Minister of External Affairs last week, "that the Government is vigilant in this matter, and, I believe, is in possession of all the- facts as to What is being done, or is likely to be- done., by the Imperial Government. In my opinion., there is bo likelihood of any arrangement being even mooted without the Commonwealth Government being taken >nto the confidence of the Imperial Government. It is true that in 1906 the present condominium Was practieally finalised before the voice of Australia could 'bo, put effectively; in c-ther-vwords., it was largely a case of criticism after the event. That method ef procedure is not likely to be repeated, as the Colonial Office is fttlly seized, not only with the facts of Australia's .policy and opinion generally regarding the New Hebrides, but wi.thonr desires and expectation that no final stops should bo taken without tho Commonwealth Iroiiig givt'ii an opportunity of presenting its views and suggestions for ■consideration.. "As a matter of fact," proceeded Mr. Glynn, "the points of view presented by recent deputations, including one representing tho Presbyterian mission, have been fully presented to tho Colonial Office by cablegram, dispatch,, and in -a conference which I had with Lord Emmott, Uader-Secrotary of State for the Colonies, and I cannot conceivethat such an arrangement exists as that to which the Rev. F. H. L. I'atoii has drawn-' attention. I can understand how it is possible that. such a misapprehension has arisen, but I decline to say aupthing further upon that particular point, ' ] have from time to 'time seen in the French press what is being; said .f win thtfir point of view regarding the New Hebrides. As I said before, 1 believe the Government is fully seized of all the facts up to the present. I hope that wo can approach this question in the, sense that, two nations of very high ideals and splendid traditions arc concerned."