RIVAL CLAIMANTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19372, 9 July 1937, Page 12

RIVAL CLAIMANTS

BRITAIN & UNITED STATES ■m .MID-PACIFIC ISLAND INTEREST IX CANTON * (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. The fringe of coral reel' in the Pacific enclosing the large lagoon at Canton Island, in the Phoenix group, has a potential importance far greater than was indicated by its recent use as a base by the parties of scientists observing the solar eclipse. It is in a direct line with the Hono-lulu-Suva link of the trans-Pacific 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 than one occasion during recent years, when visits have been paid by Imperial sloops attached to the New Zealand naval station. The latest naval visit, was by H.M.S. Wellington, commanded by Commander Loriston-Clarke, which landed members of the New Zealand solar eclipse expedition there a few weeks ago. When H.M.S. Wellington arrived off Canton Island, the only known anchorage for large ships 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. Eclipse Expedition Incident H.M.S. Wellington's commander requested the American captain to shift 'nis anchorage, but the latter replied that he was unable to do so and that there were other good anchorages nearby. Commander Loriston-Clarke's request was based on Great Britain's ;laim to possession of the island and on those grounds the British warship was within her rights in asking a vessel belonging to another Power to vacate a 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. *

Canton Island was actually discovered and surveyed by Americans, but at present it is controlled by 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. Further Notice Boards Erected

H.M.S. Leith paid a further visit, to the island in January of this year when she was absent on a "mystery" cruise in the Pacific. A second notice board was nailed to the coconut palm, but this bore: reference to "George VI" as King, while the word "Britannic" had dropped one "t." While H.M.S. 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 the party from the sloop also erected a brick plinth, an each side of which are embedded iron Union Jacks. This structure is visible from the sea as well as from the lagoon landing. Another activity undertaken by H.M.S. Wellington's men was the planting of coconuts on various parts 3f the island, 30 tons of coconuts having been taken on board at Suva for this putpose. Nor were the Americans idle. A party from the Avocet erected near the lagoon landing a concrete pyramid, in which are embedded two "Stars and Stripes" made of stainless steel.

Three flags were flying over Canton Island during the visit of the New Zealand and American solar eclipse expeditions, the Union Jack, the New Zealand 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.