A NEAT BACK-DOWN.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 144, 29 June 1901, Page 1

A NEAT BACK-DOWN.

UNDERHAND MOVE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Alelbourne, June 28. Air Barton has received a letter from the Prench Consul-General stating that his remarks published in a.Sydney journal in reference to the New Hebrides were not accurately reported on the points specially noted. He is confident that Mr Barton will recognise that he would not confuse private ownership of land with territorial rights. Tho conversation was unofficial. His personal views were private matter, and in the alleged interview he confined himself generally to admitted facts. He did not refer to matters of controversy. Advices from ■ the New Hebrides state that French residents are petitioning for tho appointment of Dr Faran, of Vila, to represent French interests in the. New Hebrides, with Alagisterial powers to deal with all matters relating to French subjects and the conduct of affairs between the French and the natives. The British residents strongly oppose the arrangement, and consider it an underhand move for obtaining French government of the Islands The Argus, dealing with the French Consul-General’s recent statements in reference to the New Hebrides, says that they clearly indicate the ui'gency of Federal action. There is no further excuse for the feeble, fluctuating policy pursued in the past, but there is every need for exercising strict vigilance in order to prevent the Commonwealth’s rights being jumped. Until tho policy of drift ceases it will be merely throwing dust over our eyes to talk of changing the New Hebrides for some French advantage in Nigeria or elsewhere.