Commonwealth Government has given close consideration question of
New Caledonia.

Our present information is that position likely to deteriorate
unless some positive action and assistance is immediately
forthcoming. We have taken certain measures, as indicated in draft
telegram below, and have arranged to send a representative of
Broken Hill Pty. to New Caledonia with a view to assisting in
disposal chrome and nickel concentrates and prevent them falling
into enemy hands. [2]

Your telegram D.328 of 10th July relative Cameroons [3] was
received with special interest and it is felt we can render
assistance to New Caledonia along similar lines. Would be glad
therefore if you would send us as early as possible details of
your concrete measures to give effect to your decision.

In meantime, we think it desirable to send official representative
of Commonwealth Government to New Caledonia immediately, and to
submit proposal to Governor [4] through British Consul [5] along
following lines-
'Please communicate following message from His Majesty's
Government in the Commonwealth of Australia to Governor of New
Caledonia-
(begins) The Commonwealth Government has noted with deep
appreciation the resolution of your Council at its meeting on the
24th June to continue the struggle against the Berlin-Rome Axis at
the side of Great Britain. We have also received your request
through the Consul General of France [6] for a knowledge of the
degree of co-operation and help you can expect from Australia.

As you are aware, the Commonwealth Government has taken steps to
allow the sailings of French ships from Australia with provisions
to New Caledonia and has given permission for British and Allied
vessels to continue to voyage to the French possessions in the
South Pacific.

We realise, however, that in the present difficult position in
which your Administration is placed, you will require practical
help and special consideration from Australia in the solution of
your economic problems and in the maintenance of your well-being
and stability.

To this end, it would seem necessary that we should be thoroughly
seized, at the earliest possible moment, of your special
difficulties and the nature and degree of help the Commonwealth
Government can render. It seems to us that the most expeditious
and practicable method would be to send to New Caledonia a
representative of the Commonwealth Government to consult and co-
operate with your Administration. We are prepared to send to New
Caledonia the best man available for this purpose.

It is hoped that this proposal will commend itself to you and be
regarded as a sincere attempt not only to preserve and protect
your interests but to further the main objective to which the
whole energies of the British Commonwealth are now directed, the
liberation of France and the triumph of freedom.

R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER.' [7]

Would be glad to receive your views on this proposal and nature of
help and co-operation we can best furnish in the common interest
as early as possible. [8]