Your telegram priority 28th August. [1]

Further to my telegrams 2 and 3 of 28th August. [2] Popular
movement undoubtedly strong and opposed to Governor [3] whom they
suspect of playing double game and of having brought sloop here to
intimidate them. This latter precipitated crisis.

Merely economic collaboration with Australia would seem to satisfy
the Governor but that is regarded as unworthy and insufficient by
most of the population. The Governor says the people do not know
what making war means. General aim of move seems to be to remain
French but to have temporary autonomy to enable them to
participate fully with the British Empire. After victory they
would formally rejoin the French constitutional organisation.

Movement has sub-branches which results in some confusion of
detail.

Presumably Governor awaiting reply to his radio before announcing
decision concerning resignation.

Rumours are being spread, I believe officially, that Australia
desires to annex New Caledonia to the Commonwealth of Australia.

BALLARD