PHOENIX GROUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 20

PHOENIX GROUP

UNITED STATES' CLAIM INTEREST IN AUSTRALIA AMICABLE SETTLEMENT LIKELY UNRESTRICTED AIRPORT RIGHTS > [fuom orn own con respondent] SYDNEY, March V2 Claims by tho United States to Canton and Enderbury Islands, in the Phoenix Group, and the steps contemplated by tho United States Government to support them are being watched with close attention by the Federal Government. Tho British Government and the Commonwealth are in consultation on the course of policy tho Umpire should follow. New Zealand and Canada, it is belioved, are. also involved in the consultations, which have an important bearing on tho future development of air services across the Pacific. No hint has been given of tho nature of proposals now being discussed. In official circles in Canberra the belief is increasing that a satisfactory adjustment of tho position will bo found ultimately in an understanding between the nations interested in tho transpacific air route. Pending Discussions Condominium control is suggested as one means of settling amicably the ownership of the islands. Tho matter will probably bo among thoso listed ior review in tho approaching talks between Britain, Australia and tho United States. Tho Svdnev Sun, in editorial comment, savs: '"'lt is not likely that there will bo'any bitter controversy over the claim. Having in view the circumstances, it is more than possible that the British Government will not contest it, except in a formal manner. American interests in tho northern Pacific are paramount, and in the south the United States has trade routes and intercuts to consider. Besides their value in commercial enterprises connected with the airways, thoso airport# will be, in the event of war, a threat to enemy naval units, and will be, no doubt, guarded against attack. Interests Closely Allied "Britain with her vast expenditure on defence of other vulnerable points and routes, mav not find it inexpedient to allow the United States claim, or, if that bo formerly contested, cede these islands to a country with which, in spite of trade rivalries, British interests march closely, and with which any question of war on any possiblo issue, is, to uso the phrase of a former President, 'unthinkable.' "it may bo suggested, also, that the negotiations for trade agreements are likoly, at least, to develop a favourable atmosphere for concessions. That a friendly settlement will bo effected is beyond doubt. If that settlement includes tho admission of the claim to tbeso two islands—and possibly others which are now subject of research by the United States experts—there is one point upon which, no doubt, insistance will bo made —that of an unrestricted right to the commercial, usp of the air ports of both parties. No question of trade rivalries should affect this fundamental condition. Discovery and Occupation 4l Upon the subject of tho claim itself, argument may. bo left to tho jurists of tho two Governments. There is one point, however, that may cause a little surprise. Tho United States Government, in its claim to Howland and Baker Islands, insisted on the rights of effective occupation. In this case, apparently, the rights of discovery are to be relied on."