Reference your 615 -Free French. [2] We are concerned at decision
that d'Argenlieu is to be appointed as High Commissioner for the
Western Pacific with headquarters at Noumea.

Ballard reports that administration in New Caledonia is running
satisfactorily and that political position, unlike Tahiti, is now
quite stable. [3] Sautot [4] is popular and present appointment
will be blow to his prestige and to New Caledonian pride.

Ballard suspects that intriguing of Bayardelle [5] and reports of
Brunot [6] are at back of decision. Our information as to
activities of Brunet, especially in Tahiti, all suggest[s] he is
most disturbing factor and that sooner he is recalled the better.

As you may be aware, he has re-instated Edmonds [7] and Foreign
Office has ordered Archer [8] now in Canberra to proceed to Tahiti
as a career consul.

Our aim, apart from maintaining the economic position, has been to
promote political stability in French Oceania and in our view the
appointment of high officials from outside who are not conversant
with local conditions, and with the characteristics of a people
who differ greatly from those in metropolitan France and other
parts of French Colonial Empire, does not assist us in this
objective.

Glad if you would bring above views to the notice of United
Kingdom Government and to Free French Headquarters.

[MENZIES] [9]