D'Argenlieu Arrives in

Tahiti New French High Commissioner Takes Office

ON September 23, Captain Thierry d’Argenlieu arrived in Papeete from USA and officially took over office as Free French High Commissioner in the Pacific from Commandant Richard Brunot, who had been recalled by Gen-

eral de Gaulle, following a series of arrests and dismissals of high Tahiti officials.

With d’Argenlieu came Frigate Cap tain Cavalier, who has been appointed officer in charge of the defence of French Pacific Colonies.

It is understood that Captain d’Argen lieu will go to New Caledonia soon to discuss a number of matters with Gov ernor Sautot. At the end of September two officials of the d’Argenlieu Mission, Frigate Captain Jean Gilbert and Maitre-Principal Gontran Gautier, arrived in Noumea by Clipper. Shortly expected are Chef-de-Bataillon Jean Larotte, M. Latribouille (administrator, from the Cameroons), M. Dellanoy (civil servant from French Equatorial Africa) and M. J. F. Manzare (medical captain and director of the Pasteur Institute at Douala, Cameroons).

One matter 'Which Captain d’Argen lieu and Governor Sautot will consider is whether N. Caledonian ore exports to Japan will come under a complete ban or whether the restricted licence policy followed during the past year will be continued.

Papeete Municipal Council

Dissolved

It is learned now that, in addition to retiring Governor de Curton, the local troop commander, and other Tahitian officials, Commandant Brunot also dis solved the Municipal Council of Papeete during his brief but dramatic stay.

It its place he instituted a Municipal Commission of 11 members nominated by himself. He appointed M. Giovannelli, engineer and meteorologist, as his Chef de-Cabinet (or secretary).

Captain Thierry d’Argenlieu.