n.d. [1]

1. To familiarise himself with all available departmental
information concerning the existing relationships between the
British Commonwealth and France with especial reference to
relationships with the French Colonial Empire and particular
reference to relationships between the Commonwealth of Australia
and French possessions in the Pacific.

2. To make contact with persons in Australia who have commercial
interests in French possessions in the Pacific, especially New
Caledonia; in particular, to make contact with Major 0ughton [2]
of [...] [3] for the purpose of discussing with him arrangements
which have been entered into concerning the purchase of New
Caledonian chrome, and also with persons connected with recent
negotiations for the purchase by the Commonwealth of New
Caledonian nickel.

3. To proceed to New Caledonia at a date to be determined as
accredited representative of the Commonwealth Government and to
establish contact with the New Caledonia administration with a
view to keeping the Commonwealth Government fully informed on
political and economic conditions in New Caledonia. This will
involve regular secret reports as to the attitude of the Governor
[4], the Advisory Council, public officials and the general
population towards the Vichy Government on the one hand and
towards General de Gaulle [5] and assistance to the Allied cause
in continuing the war against Germany on the other. Every effort
is to be made to ensure continuation in New Caledonia of the
desire to work with the British Empire in general and the
Commonwealth of Australia in particular for the defeat of Germany,
but this is to be done by avoiding as far as possible any public
activity which could be interpreted as political rather than
commercial in character. General stress is to be laid publicly
upon trading relationships between New Caledonia and Australia. It
is desired to avoid any activity or statement which would make it
appear that the Commonwealth wishes to interfere with the
maintenance of the political status quo in New Caledonia;

otherwise an excuse may be given to Japan for interference in the
maintenance of the political status quo of other areas in the
Pacific or even in New Caledonia itself
4. To make reports to the Commonwealth Government upon all
Japanese activities in New Caledonia.

5. To carry out such other functions as the Minister for External
Affairs shall from time to time direct.