NEW CALEDONIA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9, 11 September 1913, Page 5

NEW CALEDONIA.

CESSION OF FRENCH CONTROL

[Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright!

[United Press Association.] Melbourne, September 10

An Australian Natives’ Association deputation asked Mr Glynn to submit to the Imperial Government a proposal to open negotiations with the French Government for the cession of the control of New Caledonia to Australia in exchange for Britisn teiritory in some other part of the world.

Mr Glynn undertook to submit the proposal to Cabinet, and, if opportunity arose, to the British Government.

MR GLYNN’S REPLY

(Received 9.30 a.m.)

Melbourne, September 11

Mr Glynn told a deputation that the French were less apathetic regarding the Pacific than some people and the report of a commission on the effects' of the Panama canal on French interests in the Pacific, he gathered that the French wore almost British in their anxiety to develop trade and maintain their interests in the Pacific queston. There are inert difficulties than most people were aware of, and he believed these would not he removed unless Australia acted and appreciated the advantages of Australia having control of New Caledonia, but it would entail serious obligations. IF the integrity of Australian nterests and the necessities of the Empire demanded facing the min responsibilities, the Commonwealth would do so. The French, however, had a keen sense of national honour, mid of the importance of preserving their interests in the Pacific. Mr Glvnn said he was glad to see

tin' deputation's suggestion carried out, but it was not possible to disregard the French point of view.