NAVAL INCIDENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22776, 9 July 1937, Page 10

NAVAL INCIDENT

ATOLL IN PACIFIC , POSSESSION RIGHTS BRITAIN AND AMERICA FLAGS OF BOTH NATIONS A fringe of coral reef ifi the Pacific, enclosing a large lagoon, Canton Island, in the Phoenix Group, has a potential importance far greater than was indicated by its recent use as a base by parties of scientists observing the solar eclipse. It is in a direct line on the Honolulu-Suva link of a transpacific air service and, although it is claimed as a British possession, both Great Britain and the United States appear to be taking an interest in it. Great Britain's claims to the island have been put forward on more tftan one occasion during recent years when visits have been paid by the Imperial sloops attached to the New Zealand naval station. The latest naval visit was bv H.M.S. Wellington, commanded by Commander G. N. Loriston-Clarke, which landed the members of the New Zealand solar eclipse expedition there a few weeks ago. Use of Anchorage

When the Wellington arrived off Canton Island, the only known anchorage for large vessels was occupied by the American vessel Avocet, which is attached to the air arm of the United States Navy, and which had acted as transport for the American eclipse expedition. The Wellingtons commander requested the American captain to shift his anchorage, but the latter replied that he was unable to do so and that there were other good anchorages near by. Referred to Governments

Commander Loriston-Clarke s request was baseil on Great Britain s claim to possession of the island and, on those grounds, a British warlhip was within her rights in asking' a vessel belonging to another Power to vacate the known anchorage. However, when the captain of the Avocet refused to comply with the request, the matter went beyond the authority of the two commanders and was referred to their respective Governments. The Avocet continued in occupation of the anchorage during the stay of the two warships off the island. Earlier Naval Visits Canton Island was actually discovered and surveyed by Americans, but at present it is controlled bv the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific and is leased by the Crown to a British company. Guano was worked on the island many years ago. British sovereignty over the island was proclaimed last year, when a visit was paid by H.M.S. Leith. The Union' Jack was hoisted on a low staff, at the foot of which a copy of the proclamation, secured in a tin, was buried. A wooden board stating that the island "belongs to His Brittannic Majesty, King Edward VIII.," was nailed to a large coconut palm. The Leith paid a further visit to the island in January of this* year, when she was absent on a "mystery" cruise in the Pacific, and a second notico board was erected. Two Warships Busy While the Wellington was lying off Canton Island last month a third notice board was added to the collection. The Union Jack, albeit, somewhat tattered, still flew from its staff and a party from the sloop also erected a brick plinth, on each side of which are embedded Union Jacks cast in iron. Nor were the Americans idle. A party from the Avocet erected near the lagoon landing a .concrete pyramid in which are embedded two "btars and Stripes" made of stainless steel. The island is inhospitable in appearance, but its situation on a possible direct air route may well lead to its early development. It encloses a lagoon over HO square miles in area, which provides a perfect stretch of calm water for the landing of seaplanes or flying boats. Three Flags Flying On thd island fiat landing grounds and runways could bo provided for land aeroplanes. Room is also available for workshops and other buildings, and in this respect Canton Island is believed to hold an advantage over Kingman Beef, the proposed intermediate landing ground on the routo surveyed by Pan American Airways from San Francisco to Auckland. Three flags were flying over Canton Island during the visit of the New Zealand and American solar eclipse expeditions—the Union Jack, the NewZealand Ensign,, and the Stars and Stripes of the United States. Time alone will tell which flag will continue to fly over this patch of coral in mid-Pacific.