Pacific Governors

Difficulties of French Pacific Governors M. Pelissier Criticised in New Caledonia :: Reported Resignation of M. Sautot

IT was learned in Sydney, early in August, with much regret, that M. Sautot had resigned his post as Resident Commissioner of France in the New Hebrides; and it was reported that this was a development from the action taken by M. Sautot on July 22, when he sent a lengthy radiogram to General de Gaulle, in London, pledging the support of the French community in the Condominium to the leader of the forces of Free France.

The radiogram is published in full in another column.

Officially, M. Sautot is subordinate to M. Pelissier, Governor of New Caledonia and High Commissioner for France in the Pacific, whose headquarters are in Noumea; and it is assumed that M.

Sautot’s action in communicating directly with General de Gaulle has been regarded with disapproval in Noumea.

M. Pelissier has been governor of New Caledonia for only a few months. He was a famous war aviator in 1914-18; and, in the course of his colonial service, he was Governor of Martinique. M.

Sautot has been for many years a high administrative officer in the Pacific, where he is held in much esteem.

M. Pelissier is described as a cautious man, who is acting with much discretion in a very difficult international situa tion. He has established cordial rela tions with the British governments, but it has been noted that he has not declared for General de Gaulle. M.

Sautot is a younger man, of more fiery and forthright temperament, and it is not surprising that he has announced his uncompromising support of General de Gaulle.

OBSERVERS cannot reconcile the attitude of New Caledonia’s Gov ernor with the outspoken declara tions (loyalty to Britain, eagerness to continue the fight for Free France, etc., as per public resolutions on June 25 and July 22) of the New Caledonian people.

It is significant that, on August 10, Sydney “Sun” published a message from its London correspondent, reporting General de Gaulle’s grateful acknow ledgment of M. Sautot’s New Hebrides resolution. He said “the New Hebrides is the first French Colonial Administra tion to range itself officially under the free French flag”; and he has cabled to M. Sautot, asking him to continue the duties of protecting French interests in the New Hebrides. The correspondent added: — “General de Gaulle’s supporters have expressed the opinion that the New Caledonians will most probably soon emulate the New Hebrides, and add that they have already disowned a vacillating Governor.”