2014/10/02 by Stephen Henningham · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #African history and culture studies #New Caledonia Indigenous Studies #Island Studies and Pacific Affairs
paper · doi:10.1080/00223344.2014.976915
openalex publication_date 2014/10/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2025/11/06
From 1945, consistent with its broader South Pacific ambitions, Australia sought to strengthen its economic position in New Caledonia. The leaders of the European-descended ‘Caledonian’ community wanted economic autonomy for the territory and improved trade with Australia. Yet the opportunity proved illusory. France remained committed to imperial preference and economic dominance. Its revival was underwritten by Marshall Plan aid, including in New Caledonia. Australia failed to provide enough of the coal that appeared to offer economic influence. In the 1950s the Melanesians gained the vote, and the Caledonians lost political power. Conservative governments in Australia showed less interest than their Labor predecessors. Australia would have welcomed an economically autonomous New Caledonia with close Australian links, but this idea clashed with France's centralist and unitary traditions. In the tension between New Caledonia's geography and its history, France had ensured that history won.