NO INDICATION OF REVOLT

Southland Times, Issue 24233, 17 September 1940, Page 4

NO INDICATION OF REVOLT

FRENCH COLONY OF NOUMEA MAJORITY FOR GENERAL DE GAULLE (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, September 16. No indications of unrest likely to lead to open revolt against the French Administration of Noumea were noticed by travellers by the American Clipper, which arrived from Noumea today. They reported that the island seemed quiet, though strongly pro-British opinions reported by former clipper visitors to Noumea had in no way abated. “I saw no sign of revolt at Noumea,” said Mr- Julius M. Rapaport, of Pennsylvania. “I was told that a very large majority of the people there are for General de Gaulle and are strongly in sympathy with Britain.” Confusion in the nickel industry was also reported. Statistics ana vital information had been prepared and entrusted to M. Paul Vois, who had visited Australia. He was returning to Noumea on a ship that was thought to have fallen the victim to an enemy raider - and with him had disappeared important documents he was carrying, together with much-needed information about the results of his mission. The stocks of nickel were now accumulating and those on the island did not know how to dispose of them or what action to take.