Is there any truth in the statement in this morning's edition of Le Monde that moves are afoot for a delay in independence after 30 July? Did France act unilaterally in sending back the 55 gendarmes sent on Wednesday, in returning them to New Caledonia? Do the Government agree with the French assessment that the situation is calm in the condominium, and with the French Government's view that the only chance of a reasonable outcome lies in negotiation and conclusion of compromise between the Anglophone people, the Francophone people and the secessionists?

Is it a fact that British troops of 42 Commando will be sent in, probably on Sunday, when the French troops will not be there? Was there any agreement on this matter? If Anglophone soldiers went in, would it be easy to withdraw them without fear of revenge, or would those who would be seen as their friends and of their faction be in danger, in which case it might be very difficult to withdraw the Marines once they were sent in? Is it not easier, as we have said before, to put in troops than to take them out of tribal, factional situations of this kind?