16th November, 1936. Sir, \ With reference to the correspondency ^ ended with your secret despatch of the 24th I August,, relative to the annexation by the I United States of America of certain islands J in the Pacific, I have the honour to invite I Ju. 3* $6%£zJ${, attention to my despatch No.S"i5 of even date, (j^J^^ reporting the action of the French Authori- ties in Tahiti in prohibiting the recruitment of French laoour for non-French islands. The British Consul-General in Tahiti has expressed the view that - ( "The measure taken by the Governor"'(that I is, in prohibiting recruiting) "is undoubted ,uly an aftermath of the 'Rougier affaire1. "The attempt to convict Rougier of murder "having failed, the local authorities are "doing their utmost to annoy him as much "as possible with a view to his being forc- "ed to leave the islands." Commander Hall, of H.M.S.".Wellington," which recently visited Flint,Caroline,VostockJ ana Christmas Island^ has expressed tne view that The Right Honourable The Secretary of State for the Colonies. that the action of the French Authorities may be due to French designs on those islands - see pa.ra.gra.ph 5 of the enclosure in my secret despatch of the 7th October. 3. The action of the French Authori- ties and the possible motives therefor should, I suggest, be borne in mind when considering the matters which formed the subject of the correspondence under refer- ence and of that ended w ith my secret des- fcch of trie 50th October. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, humble serva-nt, Acting nigh Commissioner.