14 AUGUST 1886, Page 2

The strange attitude taken by the Republique Franpaise, which is

understood to represent M. Jules Ferry, on the subject of the retention by France of the New Hebrides, which she is under positive treaty engagements with England not to occupy, will create the most intense anxiety in Australia, where the occu- pation of these islands, though M. de Freycinet alleges that it is only temporary and for the purpose of punishing- outrages by the natives on French subjects, is exciting the most lively alarm. M. de Freycinet's professions are as yet everything that could be wished, but his actions are not quite in accord with his professions. He should at once let Lieutenant Legrand know that he must announce publicly the purely temporary character of the occupation, and must hasten the evacuation. That alone can meet the engagements France has deliberately taken, which we can hardly believe that a great State, unless. she really desires war, would think of violating. War between England and France would not please either the French or the English people.