Tahiti Is For
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
Free France
Dr. De Curton Now
Governor
rERE has been an extraordinary series of events in the Government of French Oceania.
In June, France was betrayed by the Fascist enemy within, and capitulated.
In July and August, a little gang of Fascists tried to seize power in Tahiti.
In August, a plebiscite showed that 5,364 people were for General de Gaulle and Free France, and 18 against.
The official Governor, M. de Gery, then resigned and left the colonv.
Three members of the Privy Council and the Mayor of Papeete took over the government.
Early in September, Edmond Man sard. an old comrade of General de Gaulle, became Governor M. Mansard was too ill to carry on.
It was officially announced, on Novem ber 9, that M. Mansard had resigned, and had made a recommendation to General de Gaulle.
It was announced, late in November, that Doctor de Curton had been appointed Governor of French Oceania, and was working in harmony with M.
Henri Sautot, the Free French Governor of New Caledonia.
The Spirit Of France
THE following is a summary of the announcement made by M. E. Man sard on November 9:— My Dear Friends, —In the month of September your qualified representatives, conferring upon me a confidence which will remain the greatest honour of my life, proposed me for the heavy task of Governor of this country.
When I was nominated by the Leader of Free France, my ambition was to serve our little country, these magnificent archipelagos placed in the very heart of the Pacific Ocean, to con secrate myself to that heavy task, and with your aid to strive for the liberation and regeneration of France, our unhappy and much-loved Mother land, betrayed by villainous politicians and over run by the Boche.
I reckoned, however, without my ill-health.
During this grave period, I am chained to mv bed. Therefore, in view of my ill-health, I was forced on the 30th September last to resign my duties. In conjunction with Members of the Government, I proposed to General de Gaulle, the nomination of Doctor de Curton. At this prave hour, the choice of a young man seems to us necessary. Dr. de Curton is energetic and courageous and must succeed. Give him your confidence.
I thank all those who have helped me. 1 wish for the happiness of everyone.
Long live the French establishments of Oceania.
Long live Free France and her Leader, General de Gaulle.
Long live Great Britain, our faithful ally.
May a lofty and upright mind, and a well placed heart unite everyone for the victory of our arms.