99. Mr. Brian Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he has had with the French Government about citizenship for the inhabitants of the Condominium of the New Hebrides.
Mr. StonehoaseThis subject was discussed during the Anglo-French Ministerial talks on New Hebrides affairs in London on 11th July. While there are difficulties as regards citizenship, both sides agreed that a form of passport28W should be devised for the native Melanesians which would go some way to establishing a status for them, and would express the fact that the holder was entitled, when travelling outside the New Hebrides, to the protection of Britain and France. Preparation of this travel document is in hand and it is hoped to introduce it fairly soon.