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[Page 136]
in place of Nauru, I did not reply to this, but left it to Colonel Pethebridge to deal with. In the first place I do not think this is wise, or even correct, because it must be remembered we are merely in military occupation of the island, it is still a German possession and has not been annexed by Great Britain, and this island, together with all the others that have been similarly occupied, must go into the melting pot at the end of the war. I think, however, it is a mistake to change any name whatever, and indeed, we are not justified under international law I think, in taking any such action. Then again, Pleasant Island to me, is silly, and means nothing, it is about as inane as Ocean Island. I have a strong idea that the native names of all these places, should be retained, and neither German nor British names substituted for them. I think the name Nauru is pretty and euphonious sounding, and to change it to meaningless "Pleasant Island" would be quite a mistake.
I am expecting to leave Sydney with troops for Europe about April next, but if anything should happen to prevent me from going, and I am in Sydney in June, it will give me the very greatest pleasure to see your wife safely berthed on her homeward bound boat, but even if I am not here, I would suggest that you write to my daughter, Mrs R.J.A. Travers, "Weedon", Prince Albert Street, Mosman, Sydney, and she would be very pleased to meet Mrs Eliot, and help her through. I can quite understand that she is due for a decent holiday after her long spell in the Tropics. I hope too, later on, to have the pleasure of seeing you here in Sydney, on your way through for your furlough.
I have given Travers your message, for which he desires me to thank you, and to convey to you his kindest regards. He
(and (4)
[See Colonel Reginald Travers Diaries]