waters over the previous few

days. Given Russia’s increasing maritime activity in the Pacific, this, if true, would surprise few. • • • The recent turn of events in New Caledonia has abruptly ended a period of effectively bipartisan policy towards the territory in the National Assem bly in Paris.

It coincided with a series of embarrassments to the govern ment over its policies towards the African country, Chad.

The former French president, Valery Giscard d’Estaing, used his first speech in the assembly since his recent election as a deputy to attack the govern ment of President Mitterrand over its handling of the New Caledonia issue.

He claimed that French resi dents of the territory were being denied their democratic rights while the government sought to negotiate with Kanak militants.

Mr Lemoine responded that the only possible road forward was that of discussions among all the parties to determine ’’the paths of evolution of the terri tory. ”

He said the government must ’’act quickly to find solutions to a new situation in a way that will guarantee the destiny of New Caledonia in liaison with France and ensuring the de fence of French interests.”

He blamed the troubles in the territory on the actions of the previous conservative gov ernment which, he said, had encouraged the development of the independence move ment.

Left top: Burnt-out shop at Kone; bottom: Kanak militant in informal conference, Kone. Right: A gendarme moves at speed off a bridge, after tear gas had been used to disperse militants.

Below left: One polling booth that did work, Kone; below: His comrade points to the target as the man in charge of the tear gas grenade launcher readies to fire.