Disputed
p. 23 · Read in the full issue
Howland, Jarvis And
Baker Islands
America’s Claim Not to be Disputed
AFTER investigating the question of ownership of Howland, Jarvis, and Baker Islands, in the Central Pacific, the British Foreign Office on February 28 offi cially announced that Great Britain would not dispute America’s claim to the tiny islands.
“The title deeds to the islands were never very clear,” it was stated. “We thought we had a claim to them, but if America has formally annexed them and established a claim under international law, we shall not dispute their ownership.”
The little atolls came into prominence at the end of last year when small groups of Hawaiians were placed on them to make observations and keep records of meteorological data. This development is connected with the air mail service, to be inaugurated by Pan-American Airways between Honolulu and New Zealand, via American Samoa. Jarvis, Baker, and How land are near the direct line between Hawaii and American Samoa.
Miss M. Franklin has been appointed matron of the Port Moresby European Hospital in place of Miss G. Gellweiler, who recently resigned.