Japanese Naval

Vessels

Snooping Near US Pacific Bases

THE Japanese Navy has lately been guilty of very unfriendly activities in American Pacific waters, cabled Mr. Hallett Abend, roving US journalist to the “New York Times”, from Honolulu on November 1.

American naval authorities patiently withheld retaliative action, but much was learned of Japanese tactics and aims, al though the authorities simulated ignor ance of what the ships were doing, re ported Mr. Abend.

Now, it is possible to reveal that a Japanese submarine has lately been in Hawaiian territorial waters, remaining submerged during the day and coming up after dark. Daylight observations were conducted with only the periscope showing.

The American naval authorities are chuckling over this abortive Japanese naval reconnaissance, since they have ob served every move of the submarine since she was about 400 miles outside Hawaiian waters.

Other semi-hostile Japanese naval ac tions have been openly conducted without the slightest attempt at secrecy. Their fast ships have provocatively cruised at high speed all round Midway, Wake.

Johnson, Palmyra, and other Pacific Is lands bases, always keeping 2,000 yards beyond the utmost range of American coast defence batteries.

The only disturbing feature of this phase of Japanese naval activity is how Japanese agents have so accurately learned the extreme shooting range of the shore batteries on individual islands.

Captain C. Rattray, Acting Command ing Officer of the Rarotonga Defence Force, went back to New Zealand in October, following the return ©f Captain R. M. Gladney to resume command.

A son, David Graham, was born to Mr. and Mrs. L. Dexter, of F’apua, at Grange Private Hospital, Brisbane (Qld.), in September. Mr. Dexter is now stationed at Aroa for Coconut Products Ltd.; previously he was a resident of Misima Island.

Mr. George Ellis has returned to Wewak, New Guinea, where he is a mem ber of the District Services Department,, after completing furlough.