Teleprinter message D192 [MELBOURNE], 2 September 1940

MOST SECRET

The following copy of a message which is being despatched by the
Naval Board addressed to the Acting Resident Commissioner, New
Hebrides [1], and repeated to the New Zealand Naval Board is
forwarded for information (begins)
Following instructions have been issued to the Commanding Officer,
H.M.A.S. 'ADELAIDE' [2] (begins)
PART I
1. After fuelling proceed to Vila, New Hebrides, forthwith
arriving there Saturday, 7th September:

PART II
2. On arrival at Vila place yourself in communication with British
Resident High Commissioner [3] for latest information and
instructions.

3. Situation may alter before your arrival, but present intention
is that you should embark French Resident High Commissioner of New
Hebrides [4] and convey him to Noumea. He is adherent of De
Gaulle. [5]

4. General feeling New Caledonia understood to be favourable to
good relations with Australia and British Empire,. but French
Sloop 'DUMONT D'URVILLE' is probably at Noumea and is endeavouring
to sway opinion in favour of Vichy Government. Your presence and
that of French High Commissioner of New Hebrides may counteract
this and may result in 'DUMONT D'URVILLE' leaving New Caledonia.

These are principal objects of your presence, Your instructions do
not include the use of force at any rate at present.

5. Australian Government representative at Noumea is Mr. Ballard
and Admiralty Reporting Officer is British Consul Mr. Johns [t]on.

You should get into communication with them on arrival.

6. French Colonies under rule of Vichy Government are instructed
to detain all British shipping until permission of German
Government is given. You should represent to the High
Commissioner, New Hebrides, and Mr. Ballard that any system of
nominal adherence to Vichy Government which maintained this
provision would be unacceptable, and that until it is removed
British ships are not being allowed to call at Noumea.

7. Great care should be taken to avoid impression that annexation
is intended. This is not the case. Sole object is to maintain good
economic relations.

8. Your actions at Noumea, subject to above guiding instructions
and any others you may receive from Naval Board, are at your
discretion.

9. Pretext for visit could be given as operations in search of
raider which sank 'NOTOU' and 'TURAKINA'.

10. It may be possible to arrange for French High Commissioner,
New Hebrides, to fly from Vila in flying boat, joining you at or
near Noumea, and thus rendering visit to Vila unnecessary. You
will receive instructions by W/T [6] if this can be arranged.

Fuelling arrangements will be signalled later.

11. This message is being repeated to Acting Resident
Commissioner, New Hebrides, for information of Sir Harry Luke,
High Commissioner for Western Pacific, who has recently been in
New Caledonia and who is being asked to advise you of latest
situation there. Acknowledge. (ends).

Request you will show the above to Sir Harry Luke and obtain
latest advice from him for the Commanding Officer, H.M.A.S.

'ADELAIDE'. Sir Harry Luke is being asked by Commonwealth
Department of External Affairs whether he advises visit of
H.M.A.S. 'ADELAIDE' to Noumea. [7]