Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister

Cablegram unnumbered SUVA, 9 August 1940, 12.25 p.m.

Received 9 August 1940

IMPORTANT SECRET

My telegram August 6th, No. 162, to Secretary of State. [1]

The following telegram has been received from the British Consul
at Noumea [2]:-

'Further manifestation on August 2, at the Council, and afterwards
Government House, in which the Colonial Secretary [3] and the
Chief of Police [4] were assaulted in the street. The Council
discussing despatch of telegram to General De Gaulle [5], to be
sent direct. I will report as soon as possible. Since Sunday, the
position has been calm. Subsequent to the Governor' [6] broadcast
yesterday (Monday), no recrudescence of disorder expected.'
The Consul has confirmed by wireless telephone that no telegram
was sent by the General Council to De Gaulle on 2nd August, as
reported by the Resident Commissioner of the New Hebrides [7], and
that, up to 6th August, the question of such a telegram was only
being discussed. Berlin Radio was heard on the morning of 6th
August (Fiji time), announcing that Petain [7] had broadcast over
the French radio, urging the people of New Caledonia to support
Vichy Government.

In view of the pressure from France, I suggest that some definite
action by General de Gaulle is advisable, such as sending a French
war ship with French officials, to take control of the
administration, and remove the adherents of the Petain Government.

Otherwise, the influence of the Petain Government may prove too
strong.