Prime Minister Canberra, repeated to Secretary of State for the
Colonies [1] September 3rd, my telegram touring No. 4, addressed
to Secretary of State, repeated to you. [2]

As you are aware, New Hebrides have declared for De Gaulle [3] and
now qualify for such economic assistance as it is in the power of
His Majesty's Government to give them. In the circumstances would
the Commonwealth Government co-operate in this assistance by
placing French producers in the New Hebrides for the duration of
the war on the same basis as British producers as regards
privileges enjoyed by the latter in respect of their exports to
Australia.

I commend this suggestion to your sympathetic consideration,
particularly as it implements your own policy of friendship and
co-operation with the French in the Pacific.

As the French in New Hebrides are suffering from acute monetary as
well as economic crisis, I should appreciate early reply to me in
Suva, which please repeat to British Resident Commissioner, New
Hebrides. [4]