ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22344, 7 March 1938, Page 9

ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC

American Claim To Sovereignty LIKELY APPROACH TO BRITAIN Title to Phoenix Group (UNITED PRESS ASSOC! ATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received March 6, 10.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 5. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says it is understood that Mr Roosevelt has prepared an executive order, now awaiting signature, for formally taking over in the name of the United States the islands of Canton and Enderbury in the Phoenix group. It is not certain whether the move will precipitate a controversy with Britain, in view of recent British eagerness for the United States to assume more responsibility in the Pacific. Already informal conversations have been held with London on the status of the Pacific islands, and negotiations will be undertaken in an attempt to settle the sovereignty question. Commenting on the United States claim which, it says, includes the lands first visited by the Americans in Antarctica, the “New York Times” states that claims to- other Pacific islands are in prospect in a broad move which, if carried through successfully, will, mark the greatest overseas expansion in American history. According to American recorus, Canton and Enderbury islands are among more than 75 islands throughout the Pacific discovered by American whalers. British Claim to Group The “New York Timds” points out that the entire Phoenix group has since been claimed by Britain, and the British claim has been fortified by Orders-in-Council formally asserting sovereignty. The discussions at present centring in the Pacific are being confined to Britain and the United States. Pending these negotiations, nothing may be done about the New Zealand unit which occupied Canton Island some months ago. The intention is to keep the negotiations with Britain over Canton and Enderbury islands separate from those over Antarctica. In the latter region are involved not only Admiral Byrd’s discoveries, but those of other American explorers. There is no expectation of international conference; being held to determine the issues. Rather it is intended to negotiate .through normal diplomatic conversations which will take place simultaneously in Washington and in capitals broad. In the meantime navy and state department experts are investigating to determine who discovered the islands in the Pacific, in order ' j support the American claims to sovereignty. This implies that the State Department has rejected the thesis that discovery alone is not sufficient to lay claim to lands which some day may be of great importance for aviation bases.