PURCHASE OF TIMOR ISLAND

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 12 March 1934, Page 7

PURCHASE OF TIMOR ISLAND

BRITISH MOVE SUGGESTED

VALUABLE AIR, SERVICE LINK

(United Prese Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) Received 12.50 p.m. to-day.

SYDNEY, March 12

A London cable reports that Britain is considering the purchase of Timor Island, north of Australia, for from five to ten million pounds in order to build a great airport and wireless station. It, was stated at London that both Holland and Portugal, were willing to sell.

Mr. G. T. P. 11l m, commenting on the suggestion, said it was the nearest foreign possession to Australia and would form an ideal link, with British possessions farther north. 'Timor had two aerodromes, these being at Koepanv and Dilli, and both could be improved. Australian interests at Timor include the working of petroleum deposits, foi which concessions have been granted.

REPORTS PROVE! PREMATURE

Received 1.15 p.m. to-day LONDON, March 11

Reports of the sale of Timor were premature and caused surprise at Amsterdam, where it is denied that Britain lias made any overtures on the subject. It may be necessary to consider the purchase at a later date, especially as it is understood the piosont- owners arc not averse to negotiation, but discussions at present are confined to the inauguration of an air base for the Australian route. British official circles state they know nothing of any proposal to buy part of Timor ______