Hidden Saipan

Probable Japanese Fortifications

JAPAN’S determination that Europeans shall catch no glimpse of what is being done on the island of Saipan, in the middle of the Mariana Group (north wards of the Carolines, and 1,500 miles south-east of Japan) was emphasised recently, when the United States mine sweeper “Penguin” wanted to land ship wrecked Japanese sailors there.

The Japanese hacl been fishing off the American island of Guam, and their boat was wrecked. They were picked up by the Americans and, as their home was on Saipan, and the “Penguin” was to pass there, the Americans suggested they land the Japanese on Saipan.

But the Japanese authorities would have none of it. They asked the “Pen guin” to transfer the shipwrecked men to a Japanese steamer off the coast of Rota.

American naval officers believe that Japan has established strong fortifica tions in Saipan. Saipan is one of the best islands taken over by the Japanese under the Mandates system in 1914-18.

It is hilly, fertile, is 18 miles long by 9 miles across, and it has excellent har bours. It is known that an extensive sugar industry has been established there by the Japanese.

Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Hill, of Emae, New Hebrides, arrived in Australia in Febru ary. on furlough. It is 12 years since they last paid a visit to Sydney.