N. Caledonia And
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
Tahiti
Vichy's Threat to Give Them to Japs
rpHE treacherous “Men of Vichy” (other- X wise, the Government of Metropolitan France) are hinting that they may concede to Japan “protective privileges” in New Caledonia and Tahiti, similar to those accorded the Asiatics in Indo-China (according to a report in Melbourne “Herald” of Feb. 7).
It is well known that Japan is hungry for the metal ores of New Caledonia; and, since the Japs have occupied Rabaul, it is not impossible for them to thrust further southwards, to New Caledonia.
They certainly will do it, if Australia’s north-eastern bastion (the North Queens land-Port Moresby defences) should be broken.
Tahiti is in a better position. No Japs will land there while America commands the North-east Pacific.
Both New Caledonia and French Oceania are wholly for Free France and de Gaulle, and hate and distrust the Japanese, and will fight to the last man for freedom.
Vichy’s threat really is directed against America. Vichy says: “If USA allows St.
Pierre and Miquelon (near Newfoundland) to remain in Free French hands (the Vichy officials were ignominiously thrown out of those islands), New Caledonia and Tahiti will be given to the Japs”.