Naval signal 0357Z/21 NOUMEA, 21 September 1940, 3.57 a.m.
Received 21 September 1940, 6.21 a.m.
IMPORTANT
Have received formal protest from ‘DUMONT D’URVILLE’ claiming violation of French territorial waters. Have replied ship remains at official request of Government of New Caledonia and cannot agree that under present circumstances any violation of neutral rights is involved. SAUTOT [1] has informed British Consul [2] that he expects written reply by 0400 Z to his request that ‘DUMONT D’URVILLE’ depart from Noumea at 0700 Z today Saturday.
Situation ashore still unstable mainly due to presence of ‘DUMONT D’URVILLE’ and lack of any military officer above rank of Lieutenant to give active assistance to SAUTOT.
_
1 Free French Governor of New Caledonia.
2 W. A. Johnston.
_
[AA:MP1049, SERIES 5, BOX 72, NEW CALEDONIA-ESTABLISHMENT OF FREE FRENCH CONTROL 1940: SIGNALS ACNB-ADELAIDE]