Cablegram unnumbered 24 June 1940,
His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia conveys to the Government and people of New Caledonia its deep sympathy in the temporary defeat of France, and its resolute determination to co-operate with the French people all over the world in support of the British Arms and the ultimate attainment of victory and freedom for all of us.
We would be glad to know of any way in which we could render you practical co-operation at this time. [1]
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1 A similar cablegram addressed to the Government and people of French Oceania (on file AA: A1608, D41/1/9, i) was dispatched the same day to F. C. de Gery, Governor of Tahiti. The text of the message had been communicated to the U.K. and N.Z. Govts the previous day, the cablegram to the latter (on file AA: A816, 19/311/74, i) including the preamble: ‘We warmly approve of your proposed message to New Caledonia and French Oceania and will send tomorrow a supporting message ourselves as follows-.’
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[FA: A3196, 0.4057]