FOR DE GAULLE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1940, Page 7

FOR DE GAULLE

NEW CALEDONIA ACTS GOVERNOR OVERTHROWN ARRIVAL OF SUCCESSOR Melbourne, Sept. 20. The French Pacific possession of New Caledonia has joined the colours of General de Gaulle, the leader of free Frenchmen with headquarters at London. The acting-Governor of the colony, Colonel Denis, has resigned after popular demonstrations against the Vichy Government. His successor is" the former Resident Commissioner of the New Hebrides, M. Soutot, who took office yesterday. He was one of the first French officials to oppose the Vichy Government and to join General de Gaulle with other free Frenchmen. M. Sautot, in a statement, said he was glad to take office without bloodshed. The Australian Minister of External Affairs, Mr. J. McEwan, announced last night that M. Sautot landed in Noumea early that morning. M. Sautot has thrown off the authority of the Vichy Government. Mr. McEwan said he was pleased that Australia now had in New Caledonia an ally as her neighbour. Australia's Interest. The Federal Prime Minister, Mr. R. G. Menzies, said the internal government of Caledonia was a matter for its people, but Australia was naturally interested in developments there, which meant a friendly i French colony, strengthening the close I economic and cultural ties already existing between Australia and Caledonia. "We have extensive trade relations there," he said. "We will continue to watch affairs with helpful and sympathetic interest. We hope that as soon as possible there will be a measure of economic co-oper^tion not as a matter of hostility against anyone but as a matter of mutual interest. Caledonia produces much nickel, chrome and ores. of which Australia has recently made substantial purchases."