In view of collapse of France, United Kingdom Government is
anxious with regard to supplies of nickel and chrome from New
Caledonia. Imperative they should not become available to the
enemy. To achieve this, attitude of local Government in New
Caledonia of utmost importance. Only information on this point
available here is an External Affairs Department telegram No. 468
[1], but as understood that a number of New Caledonian activities
are controlled from Sydney, considered that you might be in a
position to supplement it. Also suggested that it might be
desirable for you unostentatiously to send a well qualified
resolute [2] man to New Caledonia to keep you advised of attitude
of the Government and to ensure its continuance in right
direction.

BRUCE