AMERICAN FLEET BACK AT HONOLULU.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 154, 1 July 1940, Page 8

AMERICAN FLEET BACK AT HONOLULU.

HAD BEEN "MISSING."

Commander Gives Reason

For Secrecy.

SIMULATING WAR CONDITIONS. t'nltwl I'rosn Association -Copy right. (Keceivi-d 1.30 p.m.) N'KYV VOKK, June 30, A Honolulu message says the American Fleet has returned there and anchored in Lahina Roads. The Fleet Commander. Admiral Richardson, in a statement, said: "Regarding the departure last Monday of Ihe major portion of the United States fleet, this was merely for routine training, simulating wartime sailing without prior notification. Such exerciser have taken place in the. past and are an essential and valuable part of training. They are expected to occur again at irr.'gular intervals. Tihe nature of the exercise precluded the use of radio, otherwise I would have corrected the highly apeelllative impression created by the manoeuvre." Despite, the statement the return of the fleet, created unofficial uppdihit i>«n on n r/tihlden change of plans, innsmil'li us the highest sources last, week said the fleet .fully intended to go to Pan.unn. The possibility is seen that the sudden worsening of tho Fur Eastern situation may have been a factor. Much Speculation on Movements. The whereabouts of the I'nits'il States Fleet was unknown, according to 2 Manila message, but it was believed its arrival at Panama would serve as a "go"ahead" signal for Japanese action.

Another message from the Philippines said six United States submarines left for China. This was officially stated to be a routine" matter. There was no confirmation of reports that additional United Statee warships were off the Java coast.

Unofficial reports at Panama said that the fleet was expected to arrive there on Thursday next. At least a large proportion would make an immediate transit of the canal to the Atlantic, these reports said.

The Navy Department at Washington declined to confirm or deny reports regarding the Navy.

The United. States East Asia Fleet is scattered along the China coast and in the Philippines and will stand by Shanghai, Hongkong and other potential trouble centres to protect United States property, says a Hongkong message. Otherwise it is not expected that it will be involved.