JAPANESE BASES IN SOUTH SEAS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 232, 25 June 1921, Page 7

JAPANESE BASES IN SOUTH SEAS

IMPORTANT MOVES MADE GREAT SECRECY OBSERVED IN TOKIO By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright New York, June 23. The "Chicago Tribune's correspondent at Tientsin says that great secrecy ia being observed In omcial circles in Tokio regarding the South Sea Islands. Though, so far aa can be learned, actual fortification is not to bo attempted in view of Admiral Matsumura’s cruise of investigation of base sites, the following moves are regarded as important. The Foreign Office announced a plan to turn the islands over to the Colonial Department. This has been held up, and the Navy is continuing the administration till next year. The administrative base at the Carolines is to be moved from Truk to Pelew, nearer the Philippines and Mindanao, where the Japanese have constructed important harbour improvements on the property they own. An American np.va.l authority points out that the base at Pelew would menace all American traffic to the Philippines, via San Bernardino Straits, which alone is available in the event of war, os Japan would control the Luzon route. ■ Another important change affects the Marshall Islands. The administrative base is to be moved from Jaluit to Wotje, nearer Honolulu, the Japanese reason being sanitation. It is pointed out that this will .provide a base on the flank of any American fleet moving from Honolulu to Guam and the Philippines. It is believed that Australia will be keenly interested in Japan's moves in the Marshall Islands.—Aue.-N.Z. Cable Assn.