Question of New Caledonia discussed by Cabinet yesterday and again
today [2] in light of resolution passed by Council of New
Caledonia that support would be given to National Committee in
London. Copy of this and resolution passed in Sydney by meeting of
French nationals have been sent to the United Kingdom Government.

In view of direct American interest in the establishment of
landing ground at Noumea on trans-Pacific air route to New Zealand
and other factors such as proximity to Samoa, it occurs to us that
United States Government might be prepared to make a public
declaration that maintenance of status quo in respect to New
Caledonia and other French islands in the Pacific must be
respected.

In any case, short of public declaration, it would be useful if
you could obtain some expression of Administration views with
regard to the position of New Caledonia as have received report
that New Caledonia is requesting protection of Australia but our
attitude at present is one of strict reserve. [3]

MINISTER EXTERNAL AFFAIRS