Gaullist Revolt

p Press

N N. Caledonia

Sydney, June 23

CE June 17, when the article in page 15 (indicating New Jaledonia’s peaceful acceptance he De Gaulle regime) wa-s ed, there has been a serious cal outbreak in New Caledonia, ports received here are con and confusing, ere has been sharp conflict ;en Left and Right. Governor Grimald has taken emergency ures to dismiss the local ►t Government; to assume,

nally, full responsibility for

aistration; to control the ists; and to await instructions Paris. h New Caledonia and French lia, under the Constitution of Fourth Republic (now being

changed by De Gaulle) were given, after World War 11, a large measure of self-government and a franchise which allowed ail classes (including semi-literate natives) to vote; and both Territories in re cent years, thus elected Assemblies with Leftist majorities.

New Caledonia has been governed by a group of Leftist Ministers (in cluding natives) under M. H.

Lenormand; and Oceania, similarly, under Cesar Jerusalemy and Pou vanaa a Oopa.

There was a Rightist revolt in Tahiti in April-May (May PIM, p. 14) against new taxes and a threat of separation from France. But there has been no word of any Tahiti reaction to the installation of De Gaulle.

In Noumea, on June 18, Rightist demonstrators placed a wreath on the De Gaulle memorial—the latter commemorating New Caledonia’s decision in 1940 to adhere to De Gaulle and Free France.

That evening, De Gaullist sup porters assembled in force before Government House and demanded an assurance that the Government be dismissed. After a parley, the Governor agreed.

Meanwhile, inland, at Bourail and elsewhere, there were clashes between Right and Left wing poli ticians. One report says that Rightists seized and imprisoned a number of Leftists. Another, that four of Lenormand’s Ministers are in hiding.

On the 19th, the Governor as sumed full political responsibility.