The French flag would really seem to have been hoisted
on the New Hebrides on June let, when French soldiers were landed and left on two of the islands. The information comes in from too many quarters to allow of doubt. Mr. Bryce. however, on Thursday informed the House of Commons that the French Government repudiated any idea of annexation, and denied that orders had been sent to hoist the flag. Either the officer in command had acted on his own responsibility, or the incident was an accident incidental to steps taken by the French Government to protect some traders. The Foreign Office had no official information as to the facts, except from the Acting Consul in New Caledonia ; but they had directed Lord Lyons to represent to the French Government the excitement caused by the reports, and to ask for the fullest explanations. "Her Majesty's Government," continued Mr. Bryce, "is fully sensible of the gravity of the matter." The Treaty which binds France and Great Britain not to annex the New Hebrides is perfectly clear and undisputed ; and we find it impossible to believe that the French Government would, for the sake of such a prize, offer a violent affront to an ally. If they have done so, they must give redress but it is next to impossible.
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