Australia The Bogey Man To

New Caledonia Leaders

From Fred Dunn, in Noumea Australia is once more the bogey man to French leaders in New Caledonia. Following Senator Lefleur’s recent charge that Australian businessmen were out to gain control of the New Hebrides (“PIM”, March, p. 23), Deputy Maurice Lenormand has now had something to say.

IN a letter written to the French Army Minister, and published in his Noumea journal, Avenir Caledonien, Mr. Lenormand asked the Minister to reconsider his direc tion which will in future force all New Caledonians living in France to carry out their military service in the European zone.

Formerly, New Caledonians re turned home for their military ser vice, and the present order could mean there is danger of the young conscripts being sent to Algeria.

"Disastrous"

Mr. Lenormand points out that if the Minister persists it would result in New Caledonian families sending their children to school in Australia instead of to France which would mean that New Caledonia would have to recognise Australian diplomas. Already, says Mr. Lenor mand, many requests have been re ceived to this end.

The French Deputy says that

Australian education for New Caledonians would be disastrous for French prestige and adds, “I have never been a party to an extension of Australian influence in New Caledonia, and I will make every effort to combat it”.

There has also been mention in Noumea’s daily paper of the arrival of a French radio inspector who hopes something might be done about the reception of Radio Noumea in country districts, which seemingly is subject to interference by Radio Australia.

Samoa's Draft Constitution

The draft of the first two parts of West Samoa’s proposed new constitution has been released in Samoa, and the Working Commit tee on Self Government has asked the public for suggestions and com ments. The draft is a straight forward document and contains no surprises.