Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally

124 Mr A. R. Nankervis, Secretary of Department of the Navy, to Mr F. Strahan, Secretary of Prime Minister's Department

Teleprinter message [D296] [MELBOURNE], 19 September 1940, [6.20 p.m.] [1]

Received 19 September 1940

SECRET IMPORTANT

The following copy of a message timed 0516 G.M.T. 19th September, addressed to the Naval Board by H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE is forwarded for information:-

(Begins).

'Sautot disembarked 0030 G.M.T. today South Coast. No (repeat no) disorder or bloodshed. Situation ashore not (repeat not) yet stabilized. Civil population and Army completely De-Gaullist but DUMONT D'URVILLE although at present quiescent is commanded by rabid Vichy adherent [2] who is reported liable to take offensive action. Am awaiting confirmation Sautot's formal assumption of power [3] timed for 0430 G.M.T. today.' (Ends.)

1 The addressee, message number and time of dispatch have been taken from the copy on file Defence: Special Collection I, Box 556, Strategic Policy in Relation to French Colonies in the Pacific. This teleprinter message was also addressed to the External Affairs and Defence Co-ordination Depts.

2 Le Capitaine de Fregate Toussaint de Quievrecourt.

3 As Free French Governor of New Caledonia.

[AA:A3195, 1940, 1.8076]

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