[This document has been corrected from a slightly revised version
contained in teleprinter message 1918 of 23 September on file
AA:A981, New Caledonia 1, iv.]

Reference Admiralty message for Sautot dated 22nd September, 1940
[1], sent through [H.M.A.S.] Adelaide, the situation so far as has
been reported to us, appears to be deteriorating and requires
prompt measures to eliminate those factors which are jeopardising
the stability of colony and its whole-hearted adhesion to Free
France.

It is requested therefore that you interview immediately Sautot
[2] and place before him the following on behalf of the
Commonwealth Government.

(1) In the opinion of the Commonwealth Government Colonel Denis
should be deported at the earliest practicable moment.

(2) Other elements in the armed forces who are followers of Denis
or who are likely to provide leaders in the case of an attempted
Vichy coup, should be interned immediately, and the extremists
among them should be deported.

(3) A staunch officer should be appointed temporarily to command
the local forces without waiting for any special officer from
Tahiti or elsewhere.

(4) Sautot should ask Captain of Adelaide [3] forthwith for
protection against any attempt to interfere with the internal
control or administration of the colony or against any vessel
hostile to Free France already in or proceeding to New Caledonia.

(5) You are to inform Sautot that if he asks for the protection
mentioned in paragraph 4, the Captain of the Adelaide will be
instructed immediately to give it. [4]