Berlin's Lies

Conditions in N.

Caledonia

THE cunning propagandists of Berlin, to whom truth is merely a word in the dictionary of fools, have been giving some attention to conditions in New Caledonia lately.

Anti-British Frenchmen, who were thrown out of New Caledonia by the Free French people several months ago, have now had time to reach Paris and Berlin, and therefore we may suspect the origin of the statements made on the Berlin radio.

Berlin says that there is a strong feel ing in New Caledonia against the de Gaulle regime; and that while New Caledonia was looking anxiously to Aus tralia, Australia was indifferent to the fate of New Caledonia.

The facts are that the NC people solved their own problems. A little gang of pro-Vichy officials tried, for several weeks, to run the colony in the interests of Mr. Hitler; but, finally, the remainder of the population, who out-numbered the Vichy-ites by 100 to 1, rose in a blood less revolt, placed Henri Sautot in the governorship, took charge of the coun try, and shipped the pro-Vichy and anti-British officials to Indo-China.

So far as the economic position is con cerned, there was a period in June and July when the unhappy French Colony was prostrate—its exports without a market and its currency valueless. Aus tralia came to the assistance of New Caledonia in no uncertain way, with the result that the trade and finance of the colony have been sufficiently restored to allow it to carry on.

Conditions are not perhaps as happy as they were in the old days; but they are immensely improved on what they were six months ago and, with Austra lia’s continued practical help, steadily are getting better.

If a vote could be taken in New Cale donia and French Oceania, it would be found that there still is a majority of 100 to 1 in favour of General de Gaulle and against Mr. Hitler.

Australian Help

As an indication of the way in which Australia is helping the French Colonies, it is noted that Australia has waived the import duty of 1/2 per lb., formerly imposed on New Hebrides cocoa, and is now purchasing the whole of the Nfew Hebrides cocoa—about 800 tons per annum —at a good price.

Similar treatment may be given to New Caledonian and New Hebrides coffee and it is hoped that Australia will absorb 20 per cent, of the production of New Caledonia and New Hebrides, which is roughly about 2,000 tons per annum.

It is noted that French New Hebrides copra is being exported to America through Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd., who have been buying it at 400 francs per ton.

Meat For Greek Army

On a vessel which arrived at Australia from New Caledonia recently were sev eral thousand cases of canned meat, des tined for the Greek Army.

It will be remembered that at Ouaco, in New Caledonia, there is a modern canning factory which, prior to the French collapse, supplied canned meats to the French Army and the penitentiary at Guiana. When France capitulated this trade was lost, and a search for new markets was made. It has been reported that the colony will supply the Free French Forces with canned meats.