Reference telegram 9th August [1] addressed to you by High
Commissioner Western Pacific [2] concerning situation at Noumea.

Commonwealth Government is of opinion that action suggested in
last paragraph of High Commissioner's telegram would be
inappropriate and somewhat precipitate at this stage, even if
extreme view is taken of position in New Caledonia, as it would
amount to act of war against Vichy Government. From our
information, the overwhelming majority of French population is
wholeheartedly on side of de Gaulle. [3] Although the attitude of
some officials is ambiguous, we believe Governor [4] desires to
move in same direction as population. Governor, however, is in
difficult position as he wishes to avoid giving rise to situation
which might leave colony without a constitutional head.

The incidents referred to in High Commissioner's telegram are
probably the work of a few extremists who believe section of
administration is not moving fast enough along lines they desire.

As already intimated Commonwealth Government has now appointed Mr.

B. C. Ballard as its representative in New Caledonia and he will
leave for Noumea aboard S.S. 'CAGOU' about 16th August. In the
circumstances it is suggested no immediate action be taken till he
can arrive in colony and submit considered report as to most
appropriate course.