Fortification of Bonin Islands

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7268, 22 September 1933, Page 10

Fortification of Bonin Islands

JAPAN KEEPING STRANGERS AWAY.

(Times Cable.) LONDON, Sept. 19;

The Times, in a special article by “a ■well-informed correspondent," declares that the fact that the Anglican Bishop of South Tokyo has been forbidden to ’visit Bonin Island because it is a fortified area, explains the current rumours 'felating to the Japancso fortfiicd man'dated islands. Tho Bonins are not mandated, but are now so precious that even foroign ecclesiastics cannot land on their shores. Bonin possesses a fine harbour of obvious strategic value, because in the event of Japanese hostilities with a strong naval Power threatening Japan’s eastern mandates, the fortification of tho Bonins will prevent the enemy’s aircraft and submarines from "hsing this important advanced base.

Denial by Japanese Naval Department

LONDON, Sept. 20.

Exchanges from Tokyo assert that tho Japanese Navy Department emphatically denios either the fortificaton or equipment of Bonin Islands since signing the Washington Treaty in 1022.