My telegram 649. [2] Overseas force from French Oceania.

In connection with question of raising, training and despatch of
men from New Caledonia and Tahiti, the Naval Board expressed the
view that due to general weakness of defence position in South
Pacific and extreme importance that New Caledonia should not fall
into hands of Japan, the despatch of troops from New Caledonia
should be discouraged, and that local defence troops should in
fact be reinforced.

Communications passing between Sautot [3] and de Gaulle [4] showed
that preparations for despatch of first echelon consisting of 600
men, who had been waiting for a considerable period, were well
advanced and other information indicated it would cause grave
discouragement and discontent if volunteers were prevented from
proceeding overseas.

Consequently, matter was referred to Chiefs of Staff for
consideration, who have now recommended that on account of
strategic importance of New Caledonia, the first action should be
to determine exact state of defence arrangements already in being
in New Caledonia, and to make plans to co-operate with local
defence forces.

For this purpose de Gaulle should be asked to issue instructions
to Sauter to enter into Staff conversations immediately with
Australian Defence authorities. Instructions should also indicate
that conversations should embrace every aspect of defence,
including arms and equipment, should take place in New Caledonia,
and to this end Commonwealth Government would send Army Officer as
soon as Sauter indicates agreement.

Pending outcome of conversations and consideration of resultant
report, it is considered desirable that no large contingents
should sail from New Caledonia for service overseas with the
exception of the first contingent previously referred to.

Commonwealth Government has approved of these recommendations and
asks that representations be made accordingly to de Gaulle for the
issue of the necessary instructions.

On information we have received from Ballard [5] and conversations
with Mansard [6], we are convinced that despatch of a Military
Mission is imperative. Nobody seems to have any real knowledge of
what de Gaulle's proposal for an overseas force is, where troops
are to be used, how they will be equipped, officered, paid or
transported. We cannot even obtain advice as to what arms and
equipment it is desired Commonwealth Government shall provide.

This is quite apart from requirements of local defence, of which
we are also in the dark.

We suggest, with some diffidence, that the piece-meal
communications now passing between de Gaulle and Sautot are not
leading to a clarification of the present position and that it is
essential the whole matter be placed on a proper footing and based
on a definite plan without delay.