Political Crisis In New

Caledonia

From Our Own Correspondent

Noumea, Apr. 3.

THERE is a pointer for all South Pacific Territories in the dead lock which has occurred in relation to the election of the General Council of New Caledonia.

Hitherto, the New Caledonian Parliament always has had a majority of European members and a majority dominated by officials.

Now, Leftist elements are trying to rearrange the constitution, so that the votes of Europeans and natives may have equal value.

Last year, in the election of a Deputy for New Caledonia and New Hebrides in the Chamber of Deputies (Paris), the franchise was extended to “literate” natives, and the test for literacy was so low that practically any intelligent native was allowed to vote. In the result, the pro-European candidates were defeated, and M.

Maurice Lenormand, regarded as ardently pro-native, was elected.

At the end of 1951, a new set of laws governing the General Council was passed, in the first instance, by both Chambers of the Parliament of France. The new law provided that the Council should be elected by two bodies of electors the Europeans to elect 16 and the natives to elect nine members. This is in accord with principles and practice observed in half-developed countries, like New Caledonia, the world over.

Under French law, this new set of regulations could not operate until it had been passed again (in the second instance) by both Deputies (National Assembly) and Senate; and when it came up again M.

Lenormand, backed by the Com munists, the Socialists, and some of the Moderates and Independents, challenged the new laws; and the Assembly, by 356 to 256, rejected the measure, and had it sent to a Committee for further examination.

Lenormand demands a common roll for both Europeans and natives —no racial discrimination. This, of course, would mean the swamping of the Council by natives.

"OECAUSE of the continuing " political crisis in France—where Government after Government has fallen through inability to solve the financial problems the New Caledonian Council matter has been repeatedly postponed. Now, the term of the General Council has expired, on March 31. The

Territory is without a Council.

M. Henri Bonneaud, chairman of the Council, has flown from Noumea to Paris, and is appealing for an extension of the authority of the Council, until next election. He is supported by Senator Lafleur and M. Bichon, member of the Council of the French Union, and by the Degaullists, and part of the Moderates and independents.

There now is bitter feeling in certain quarters of New Caledonia against Metropolitan France. It is felt that vital decisions are being taken there without adequate know ledge of conditions here.

As there is no Council, the Governor may lawfully implement any decision which he cares to take.

For example, he could introduce the

much-feared income taxation in this country.

Editorial Note—It Seems

clear that politico-economic pressure upon France (as upon Britain and Italy ) is part of the Cold War being conducted by the Communist bloc against Western civilisation. While political conditions in France are in a confusion almost indescribable, Red agents have stirred up revolts against the French Government in Indo-China, Tunisia and Morocco; and worse is to come. This New Caledonian trouble is very small, in comparison with events in other French territories; but its genesis is plainly Red, and it all fits into the pattern. Sooner or later, France must go finally to the Right or Left, and must accept dictatorship for a term from her Degaullists or Reds.

Only so can the crisis be ended. And modern history shows that, in these matters, what happens to France to-day probably will happen in Britain to-morrow.