CANTON ISLAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 15

CANTON ISLAND

OUTPOST IN PACIFIC VISIT BY WARSHIP RADIO PLANT CARRIED ASSERTING BRITISH CLAIM More than ordinary significance is attached to a report received from Suva yesterday that" H.M.S. Leith had left for Canton Island, in the Phoenix Group, 011 Thursday, carrying two wireless officers, building material and wireless equipment for the establishment of a station. The nature of the message indicates that, the Fiji Government is taking stops to assert British claims to Canton Island, which was recently the subject of con trover.'// between the British and American Governments.

Although no official, statement has been made the Fiji correspondent of the Hkrald writes from Suva that when arrangements were in hand for the departure of the Leith it was known that Mr. G. V. Langdale, of H.M.C.S. Pioneer, had received orders to sail on the Leith. Mr. Langdale, in addition to being second officer of the Pioneer, is also the ship's wireless officer. The Leith was to sail for Auckland, via Koro, Tonga and Samoa, but members of the crew indicated they' would also be calling at Canton Island. It was also understood that two carpenters would accompany Mr.'Langdale with building material. Previous Visit By Leith On a previous occasion the Leith sailed from Suva with a certain amount of secrecy, taking a local wireless officer. The Hkkat-d report that the destination was Christmas Island was subsequently confirmed. The officer has since returned to Suva and has been replaced by another wireless officer, who, according to a recent notice in the Fiji Royal Gazette, will also act as administrative officer. Although no official statement has been issued, it is anticipated in Suva that Mr. Langdale will be left on the island as an administrative officer. Canton Island was the scene of an incident between the commanders of American and British vessels during the landing of the recent New Zealand solar eclipse expedition. When H.M.S. Wellington landed the expedition at the 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 Navv. The Avocet was acting as transport for a similar American expedition. -

A Request Refused When the commander of the Wellington requested that the American ship should vacate the anchorage the American commander refused, stating there were other anchorages near by. The request by the commander of the Wellington was based on the assumption of British possession of the island. On March 18 last an Order of His Majesty in Council was made extending the boundaries of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands to include the Phoenix Islands. The list of islands stated included Canton Island.

Arising out of the incident, on July 17, the British Ambassador at Washington drew the attention of the United States Government to the nonrecognition of the British right of possession by the commander of the Avocet. He also communicated a copy of the Order-in-Couneil whereby Canton and other islands were incorporated in the Gilbert and LI lice Colony.

Hitherto one of the unimportant coral reefs and islands. Canton Island now attains considerable importance as a possible landing ground and depot in the event of a British air service across the Pacific. As Christmas Island is now permanently occupied by a British administrative officer from the staff of the Fiji Government it is presumed similar steps are now being taken to occupy Canton Island permanently. Visits have recently been made to these islands by the Wellington and the Leith and notice boards were nailed to coconut palms proclaiming British ownership.