THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1921, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

THE OFFER TO AUSTRALIA. AMAZEMENT IN FRANCE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyriftt. Paris, Nov. 18. A cablegram from Melbourne to the Matin, announcing the offer of the French New Hebrides Society to sell its concessions to Australia for half a million sterling, has created a sensation in colonial and diplomatic circles. The Matin declares that if Britain buys the company’s land she will become virtually mistress of the New, Caledonia Archipelago, and France will be evicted from the Pacific. The French Government is studying the question. Received Nov. 20, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 19. The Morning Post’s correspondent states that French opinion is watching closely the sale of the New Hebrides concession for £500,000 As Paris sees it, if carried into effect it will result in the elimination of France as a sovereign Power in the Australian Archipelago. Unlike New Caledonia, the New Hebrides never have been classed as a French colony. The Government ia seeriously considering the proposed sale, and has already j>ut forward in opposition to the sale by the French company the stipulations contained in the agreement between the Government and the company, by which the company is not allowed to alienate its rights without the Government’s consent. The ccynpany, however, contend that this 1894 agreement was annulled in 1906, when the condominium was established. The Colonial Office has informed the company that if it declines to recognise its Obligations the Government will take steps to guarantee the rights of France. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.