Abstract
Matthew and Hunter Islands (MHIs) are two small uninhabited islands located between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Both Vanuatu and France claim sovereignty over the MHIs and vast maritime zones around them. This article examines the history of sovereignty claims to the MHIs. Although existing literature often refers to an annexation of the MHIs by France in 1929 and a 1976 transfer of the MHIs from the New Hebrides to New Caledonia, we find no archival evidence suggesting that such annexation or transfer occurred. Instead, there is clear archival evidence showing that in 1965 France and Britain agreed that the MHIs were part of New Caledonia, not part of the New Hebrides. We propose that the main reason for France and Britain to reach agreement in 1965 was to prevent two individuals from succeeding in their claim of private ownership of Matthew Island before the Joint Court of the New Hebrides.