Red Propaganda.

Banned in Tahiti.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Feb. 25,

AN important Presidential decree, de signed to regulate the introduction of foreign newspapers, periodicals, and propaganda (other than commercial or tourist) into the French Establish ments of Oceania, was published in the Journal Officiel of the Colony on Feb ruary 16. His Excellency the Governor now has power to interdite, by notice in the “Journal,” the introduction, distribu tion, or placing on sale of any publica tion from abroad which falls within the above categories.

The same interdiction may be pro nounced against publications emanating from France or the French Colonies, provided they are printed in any other language than French. Within the Col ony no newspaper or periodical may be published, in language other than French, without the authorisation of the Governor in Council, and after submis sion of certified translations of the pro posed publications; such authorisation may be revoked at any time.

Undoubtedly the intention of the de cree is to prevent the dissemination, among a semi-educated native popula tion where such would assuredly work infinite mischief and discontent, of Com munistic literature from abroad, as well as propaganda subversive of the French authority; it is, therefore, to be com mended as a wise and timely measure.