AIR BOARD MELBOURNE
 
TO        REPEAT NEW ZEALAND AIR ATTACHE WASHINGTON D.C.
FROM AIR HEADQUARTERS WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND
 
     On my return from recent visit to Noumea I learned
that substantial United States garrison was en route 
from New Caledonia and I therefore refrained from report-
ing conversation with Admiral Argenlieu. in view of pro-
longed delay before arrival of United States forces in
New Caledonia and after discussion wiith Admiral Leary
I considered you should have following information which
I am repeating also to Washington. Admiral Argenlieu 
said that he was bitterly disappointed about lack of 
support. New Caledonia had agreed to the building of
aerodromes in the belief that aircraft would be sta-
tioned there and that the aerodromes would be defended.
He now found himself virtually defenceless and considered 
New Caledonia now much more desirable to the Japanese by 
virtue of the three aerodromes there. He said that un-
less he received early assurance of the arrival of de-
fence forces he should not only stop work on the aero-
dromes but use the machinery here for destroying the 
aerodromes. I did not feel entitled to give Argenlieu 
any assurance about the early arrival of American forces 
and had to content myself with urging him not to do what 
he proposed but rather to use surplus machinery and 
labour for preparing fortifications under military direc-
tion around the aerodromes. Argenlieu said that he felt 
very inclined nevertheless to do what he suggested. He 
also said that such small forces as he had could hardly
be deployed at the right place unless he could get
early information of the arrival of enemy forces and 
for this he needed only one or two aircraft and could 
be content with a civil unarmed type if he could not 
have a service type.
 
        While in New Caledonia it seemed to me that the 
ability and will of the French authorities to resist
invasion was low and that the principal stay of their
morale was  the small Australian unit for which they 
have a very high regard.  In view of the foregoing you 
may wish to represent that some alternative might be 
found to the present arrangements for sending the
convoy carrying United States forces for Caledonia to
Brisbane first for reembarkation. You may also wish 
to send one or two light aircraft which the French