§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Commonwealth Premier has emphatically denied the statement to the effect that the New Hebrides Convention was not signed till the views of Australia and New Zealand had been consulted and an acquiescence, albeit reluctant, had been obtained; whether he can give any explanation on this point; and whether His Majesty's Government can promise that no appointment of officials will be made in the New Hebrides without the concurrence of Australia and New Zealand.
§ MR. CHURCHILLI have seen a Press report of remarks attributed to Mr. Deakin to the effect that my Answer to the hon. Member's Question of the 31st October†was technically correct, but actually misleading. I am still of opinion that no more exact or appropriate description of the situation could have been given; but the correspondence which will be shortly laid before Parliament will enable all persons to judge for themselves. As regards appointments in the New Hebrides, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on the 14th November to a Question by the hon. Member for Gravesend.‡
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDasked if that reply was to the effect that Australians and New Zealanders would be eligible?
§ MR. CHURCHILLYes.