JAPAN IN THE PACIFIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16461, 24 June 1921, Page 7

JAPAN IN THE PACIFIC.

TACTICAL MOVES. U.S. APPREHENSIONS. By TelegraDb—-Presn Assoua 4 ,’. m -Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received Juno 24, 10.5 a.m.') NEW YORK, June 23. The Tientsin correspondent, of the “ Chicago Tribune ” says that great secrecy is observed in official circles at Tokio regarding the South Sea Islands, though so far as he learned actual fortification was not attempted. In view -of Admiral Matsunnira’s cruise for investigation of base sites the following moves are regarded as importan t. The Foreign Office announced that a plan to turn tho islands over to tho Colonial Department is held up, tho navy continuing their administration till next year. The administrative base at the Carolines has been moved from Truk to Pelew. nearer to Mindanao in the Philippines where the Japanese have constructed important harbour improvements on property which they own. An American naval authority points out that a base at Pelew would menace all American traffic to the Philippines via San Bernardino Straits, which would be alone available in the event of war as Japan would control the Luzon route. Another important change affects the Marshall Islands, the administrative base of which has been moved from Jaluit to Wot jo nearer Honolulu, the Japanese reason being sanitation. Tt is pointed out that this would provide base on the flank of any American Fleet moving from Honolulu to Guam and the Philippines. It is believed that Australia will be koenlv interested in Japan’s moves in the Marshall Islands. Pellew U about 1100 miles closer to Mindanao than Truk, the distance between Pellew and Mindanao being lietween 200 and 300 miles. The distance between Honolulu and Wot jo is about 2000 miles. Guam is an island in the Lad rones group which lie between tho Philippines and tho Marshall Archipelago. about 1200 miles W.N.W. of the latter group.