IN THE PACIFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1938, Page 6

IN THE PACIFIC

PHOENIX ISLANDS

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright), WASHINGTON, March 10. The “New York Sun,” in an editorial regarding the Phoenix Islands, says: •‘‘in the 1 present negotiations Britain must, of course ,take account of New Zealand’s sensibilities. The British Ministry! is, vin fact, -caught between two fires, but..may cite the .possible usefulness to Imperial defence of having •the'.United States possess .another state in the. South Pacific.” BRITISH NOTE TO TJ.S. NEW YORK, Alarch AO. The State department received a (British Note formally reserving British rights at Canton and Enderburv "Islands. It is understood that the Note, contained proposals for the solution of the controversy, and it is expected -that, an effort will be made to deter-mine-the principles.which will not only settle the status of .Canton and Enderbnry Island,‘but will also pave the way for the adjustment of the ownership of numerous other small islands in the Pacific. Air Cordell: Hull (the Secretary of State), manifested no surprise over the • cl cel i ried ; to indicate-: wlit-theT a plan for the joint ownership of the two islands,is contemplated. CONCESSIONS WANTEf). ; . ' . LONDON, March; 9. The ; Australian Associated Press understands -that; Mr Chamberlain’s declaration -that Britain does not recognise the United States’ juridical claim toEnderbury and Canton Islands, does 1 not mean -that (Britain intends to retain the islands. On the contrary, provided the .United .States admits Britain’s legal position, and agrees to concede the British Empire trans-Paci-fic air route rights, Britain will concede the islands to. America. BRITAIN’S RIGHTS. TO BE ArATNTATNED. ’ ! v RUGBY, Ala rch 9. y .In the Commons.; the Prjme Minister referred to the discussion last year, with.the United States ‘Government, in .which tljey the validity of ‘the British claim of the Phoenix. Group pf .Islands, in which’ Cahton-and Endbrbury are situated, and declined to re- . cognise the British Order-in-Counhil': of March 18, 1937. Mr Chamberlain added that the British' Ambassador in Washington had been instructed to inform the United States Government that the British Government could not regard the' juridical situation as in any way affected by the recent action of the. United States, which included a lauding on Canton 'lsland; This-island had been effectively occupied bv the British Government on August's, 1937; andan administrative officer now resided there. Sir R. Lindsav was instructed td -add that the .British-- Government -maintained all their rights to. the Phoenix Group. ' ! 1 O’ Hr Chamberlain said ■ that it was ’ intended, in- the -immediate future, 1 to' submit proposals to the ..United States which, it was hoped, would serve as a basis for .ending-’this , controversy, in avmannex Satisfactory to both parties.