Clearer Sky In French Pacific Colonies

Brunot is Recalled :: D'Argenlieu Arrives :: Many Disloyal Officials Dismissed

HHHE political situation in relation 1 to the French Colonies in the South Pacific which was cnnfncpH and puzzling ’when the “PIM” went to press in August, is now more clear.

The P° sition - up to three months ago, was that M Henri Sautot was Governor of New Caledonia, and Free French High Commissioner in the Pacific- and Dr de Curton, in Papeete, was Governor of French Oceania.

Then there arrived in Noumea Com mandant Richard Brunot, described as “Free French Governor-General in the Pacific”. His mission apparently was to co-ordinate French interests in the Pacific. In May, accompanied by his

wife and his aide-de-camp, Captain Fatoux, he proceeded to Tahiti, where he arrived late in June.

Just prior to his arrival, the Tahiti Governor, Dr. de Curton, arrested a number of high officials, on the ground that they were disloyal to Free France.

In July, it was announced that Gov ernor-General Brunot had arrested Governor de Curton, a number of offi cials, and Captain Fatoux (his own aide).

Very little news has been allowed to leak out of Tahiti; but sufficient has been published in Australian, New Zea land and New Caledonia to indicate that the course of events was somewhat as follows.

Commandant Brunot encountered, in Tahiti, a definitely hostile atmosphere Perhaps it was the fault of M. Brunot— no one knows. It is significant that his aide, Captain Fatoux, asked permission to return to London, two days after they arrived.

Within a short time, it was reported that there was afoot a plot to make prisoner the “Governor-General”. The upshot of it all was that Governor de Curton, Captain Fatoux, and various offi cials, were placed under arrest by M.

Brunot, who himself assumed office as Governor of French Oceania.

How and why all this happened has not yet been explained. One suspects petty jealousies among a host of nerve wracked officials. It is at least clear that the non-official populace remained calm, and completely pro-de Gaulle.

EVIDENTLY, London had been kept apprised of events. On August 8. it was announced in Sydney that Captain Thierry d’Argenlieu had been appointed by General de Gaulle as High Commissioner in the Pacific; and, in Noumea, on August 13, that Commandant Brunot had been recalled to London by General de Gaulle.

It was reported in Noumea, early in August, that Captain d’Argenlieu, as High Commissioner for Free France in the Pacific, would have his headquarters at Tahiti, where he would act also as Governor of French Oceania. Another report (on August 27) said he would have his headquarters at Noumea.

Cordial messages were exchanged be tween Captain d’Argenlieu and M. Sau tot. In a broadcast address on August 5, M. Sautot said:— “Since last Saturday, I am no longer High Commissioner for Free France in the Pacific.

General de Gaulle has notified me by telegram to this effect, at the same time declaring that I am to continue to enjoy his confidence in my capacity as Governor of New Caledonia and High Commissioner for Free France in the New Hebrides. General de Gaulle has decided at last to combine the duties of High Commissioner for Free France in the united French territories of the Pacific with that of military head of French Pacific territories in the person of Cap tain d’Argenlieu, who will be Governor of French Oceania at Tahiti.”

In a communication to Governor Sau tot, dated London, August 5, Captain d’Argenlieu said: — “I am happy to announce that, by decree dated August 1, General de Gaulle has appointed you Companion of the Ordre Libera tion, and he has asked me to receive you form ally into the Order, which will constitute an honour and a joy for me.”

The coming of the new High Commis sioner, and his apparent intention to live in Noumea, is regarded with mis giving by the people of New Caledonia and New Hebrides, who are greatly de

voted to Governor Sautot. Any inter ference with Sautot’s wise and benevo lent administration, and any attempt to increase public expenses by piling official upon official, will be resented in New Caledonia; and General de Gaulle was so advised by radiogram, late in August.

Captain d’Argenlieu (whose remark

able career is described in another article) will be warmly greeted in Noumea: but it is hoped that he will confine his activities “to exterior politics and questions of defence, leaving to the Governor and his Council full control of New Caledonia’s economic and adminis trative affairs.”

THE following details of French offi cials who have been either relieved of duties or placed under arrest on

charges involving disloyalty are taken

from French and other publications. All appear to have occurred in July and

August;—

Dr. Loison, medical officer at Sous-le-Vent Islands, relieved of duties.

Mile. Bourasset, of Colonial Hospital, Tahiti, suspended.

Mon. Senesse (head of the judiciary service) and MM. Drouhet and Leroux (assistant judges at the Papeete tribunal) relieved of duties.

The following have been placed under mili tary guard in Tahiti: Mano (principal Deeds Clerk), Senesse (head of judiciary service), Drouhet (magistrate), Mille (medical officer), Third (chief clerk of the local Administra tion), Fagot (medical officer). Petard, Rosmor duo (medical officer), Foucard (medical officer), Pu.io (medical officer), Loison (medical officer) and lorss.

Mon. Deverge Roger, teacher (fifth grade, metropolitan service) dismissed from service and placed in an internment camp.

Messrs. Friaire and Ehrart interned.

Mile. Barbier de Preville Benedicta, female employee of the third grade in the Administra tive Service of the New Hebrides, dismissed, as from August 16, owing to continued hostility to the cause of Free France.

Five fonctionnaires at Port Vila, New Heb rides, including two women, relieved of office for hostility to Free France.