Officials Exchanged

Nz And Fighting

France

IT was officially announced in Papeete, several weeks ago, that Mr. R. T. G.

Patrick had been appointed as the accredited representative of the Govern ment of New Zealand in the French South Pacific territories generally—and particularly in French Oceania (Tahiti, etc.), with which New Zealand has main tained close commercial relations since the collapse of France.

In announcing the appointment, the Premier of New Zealand (Mr. Fraser) sent a special message to Rear-Admiral Thierry d’Argenlieu (High Commissioner in the Pacific for Fighting France), in which he said, “the policy of the Gov ernment of New Zealand in relation to matters affecting the interests of Fight

ing France is based on the maintenance of the integrity of France and of the French Empire, and their eventual res toration and complete reconstitution.”

He added that New Zealand recognised, and would continue to recognise, the authority of the French National Com mittee presided over by General de Gaulle in all matters affecting French territories in the South Pacific.

M. Antoine de la Tribouille has been sent to New Zealand to act there as the official representative of Fighting France.

The Bishop of New Guinea, Right Rev.

P. N. Strong, has been appointed Senior Chaplain, Lines of Communication, New Guinea.

Private Andrew Johnson (known as “Billo”), eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A.

Johnson, of West End, South Brisbane, was posted missing in New Guinea on October 29. Private Johnson was serv ing with the NGVR and was only 19.