SOVEREIGNTY FELT NOT IN DOUBT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 11

SOVEREIGNTY FELT NOT IN DOUBT

Britain and Pacific Isles London, May 13. Replying to questions by Mr. P. W. Donner (Con.: Basingstoke) and Mr. D. Sandys (Con.: Norwood) in the House of Commons, the Colonial Secretary, Mr. J. H. Thomas, said he was not in a position to make a statement on the subject of Jarvis, Baker and the Howland Islands. The question of air service to the islands was of paramount importance and was being investigated, also the question of sovereignty. Mr. Sandys: Is there any question of British sovereignty being in doubt? Mr. Thomas: I should say not. The Americans are considering the development of Jarvis, Baker and Howland Islands, three small islands in the Pacific, for the purpose of the new air channel from Hawaii to New Zealand and Australia. It was reported in February that America had colonised and claimed the islands, and the Foreign Office stated: ■‘The title deeds of the islands were never very clear. We thought we had a claim to them, but if America has formally annexed them and established a claim under international law we shall not dispute ownership.” The British Government once leased the ownership of the islands to au Australian company.