THE NEW HEBRIDES

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 49, 21 November 1921, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES

PROPOSED SALE OF CONCESSION FRENCH GOVERNMENT’S CONSENT NEEDED By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Tec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 19. The Paris correspondent of the "Morning Post", states tliat French opinion Is watching closely tile sale of the New Hebrides concession tor half a million. As Paris sees it, if carried into effect it will result in the elimination of France as a sovereign Power in the Australian Archipelago. Unlike New Caledonia, the New Hebrides have never been classed as a French colony. The Government Is seriously considering the proposed sale, and has already put forward In opposition to the sale by the French crrurpany the sffjTtrrations contained in the agreement between the Government and the company by which the company is not allowed to alienate its rights without the Government's consent. The com. pany, however, complains that this 1894 agreement was annulled in 1906, when the Condominium was established. The Colonial Office has informed the com- , pony that if it declines to recognise its obligations the Government will take steps to guarantee the rights of France. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Paris, November 18. (The "Matin” states that the Melbourne cable message announcing the French New Hebrides Society’s offer to soli its concessions to Australia for naif a million sterling created a sensation in colonial diplomatic circles. The "Mr.tTr" declares that if Britain buys the company’s land she will become the -Hrtuai mistress of the New Caledonia Archipelago, and France will he evicted from the Pacific. The French Government is studying the question.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.