NEW HEBRIDES RIGHTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 902, 20 February 1930, Page 11

NEW HEBRIDES RIGHTS

OFFER TO COMMONWEALTH REQUEST FOR EXTENSION LONDON, Tuesday. The negotiator who is offering to the Commonwealth the French proprietorial right in the New Hebrides today interviewed Mr. V. C. Duffy, assistant secretary to the High Commissioner for Australia, Sir Granville Ryrie. Mr. Duffy intimated to him that Sir Granville desired an extension of the period for consideration of the offer.

In reply the negotiator reiterated that the option would terminate on Thursday. Mr. Duffy protested that a further extension wYis desirable in order to afford the fullest time possible for investigations. To that the negotiator replied: “You have had ample time in which to investigate. However, if your Government is still not satisfied I will endeavour to obtain a short extension.” It is understood that in the event of no sale being made to the Commonwealth a coUmtal trading organisation is desirous of buying the interests concerned.

A cablegram from London on February 11 stated: It is understood that a negotiator is now in London for the purpose of offering to the Commonwealth the majority holding of French interests in New Hebridean properties. Realising the importance of this holding to Australian interests, the negotiator has obtained an extension of the option to sell until February 20.