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 reporting conversation
with Admiral Argenlieu. In view of prolonged delay before arrival of United States forces in New
Caledonia and after discussion with 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 woould be stationed 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 unless he received early
assurance of the arrival of defence forces he shotuld not only stop work on the aerodromes but
use the machinery here for deotroying 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 direction 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 themselves say they could
maintain and fly by way of keeping their spirits up. I personally do not think there would be much
advantage in sending a Hudson to New Caledonia from Fiji from time to time for coastal
reconnaissances but if you wish any assistance in this way no doubt you will ask for it. Message
ends.