France Brings New Strength To Defences
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
The New (de Gaullist) France is coming into the South Pacific with vigour. Interesting developments are promised.
FRANCE promises to take her rightful place in the SEATO (South East Asia Treaty Organ isation) . There are to be new French sea and air bases in New Caledonia (soon) and in Tahiti (presently).
France’s official representative at the SEATO Conference in New Zea land in early April was Admiral Ortoni, a Minister of State; and, in Sydney on his way home, on April 12, he made some interesting an nouncements.
Noumea is to be developed as modern naval base —and especis as a base for anti-submarine shi and for French submarines of t new type.
Other measures to be taken France—as part of her SEA r obligations to defend the Smr Pacific countries against aggress;; from Asia —include the establif, ment in New Caledonia of a mode Air Force.
The Minister indicated that ea* (Continued on page 150)