THE FRENCH FLAG.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 26, 1 October 1913, Page 8

THE FRENCH FLAG.

MR GLYNN’S EXPLANATION. [Br Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [Uniter Press Association.) . Melbourne; ,v September 29. Mr Glynn states that the Frenci Consul Voiced Ids complaint in support of a protest,]- He pdiiitfr'dilt that in Ids reply to the deputation he cal!*id attention’■to the higlC chivalrous hearing of the French, with a view to showing that ;he had no sympathy with any attempt to impugn the status or honor of a people who are entitled to the same, respect as the British. The Departmental report of the deputation was shown to the Consul, \so ( xpressed himself -as satisfied Vl it.v t.ie tone-, assumed by Mr Glynn i.t replying to the deputation. Mr Gh nn adds that he could not prejudge the case on the statements made, or accept comments derogatory to the honor of the French people. A cablegram dated September 2-3 said:—A deputation of French residents in Sydney waited on the Frenea Consul and expressed indignation at Mr Glynn, Minister of Internal Affairs, allowing an insulting reference to the French flag in his presence without protest. They complained that, according to the newspaper reports, one of tlie members o) the deputation of Presbyterian missionaries who waited o n Mr Glynn in Melbourne on September 18, with reference to the affairs of the New Hebrides, said: “Vfe are almost ashamed to have the British flag entwined with the French Hag in the Islands,” and the Minister allowed this flagrant breach of international etiquette to pass without demur. They asked the Consul to acquaint the French Government of the French residents’ feelings in the matter. Several letetrs of protest were read from French residents in other parts of tae Commonwealth. The Consul promised to acquaint the Government of the great concern the incident had caused among his compatriots in Australia.