Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1918-01-29

construc. docks-<the Ecuadoran inter
ests being landowners on AlbemarIe. the
largest Of - islands comprising The
main group Of the Galapagos.
But this joint enterprise which would
have meant so much to our sister re-
public has been held up by the GOV
eminent OF Ecuador. Clearance was re-
fused for supplies needed to carry out
the project because II the popular on
position raised against it. Anti-eovern-
ment factions united under the cry that
America intended TO gain a foothold In
the group as the FIRST step IN occupy
ing them TO protect the great Panama
waterway.
Ecuador has not changed her posi-
tion needing the protest that the
Observation-Disclosures project affects
the national honor and integrity OF the
Republic"
strategically Vital
The Galapagos Archipelago Is more
vital to The control Of the Pacific en-
trance to the Panama canal than arr
The Virgin Islands, just bought from
Denmark, for the Atlantic side.
Both are located about 100 miles OF
Panama But the Galapagos are the only
Islands threatening the Canal on the Pa
clic While the Antilles-owned BY
France, the Netherlands, and Britain
and other caribbean islands reduce the
comparative strategic value Of our new
possessions on the Atlantic.
Were tne Galapagos ISLANDS 10 fail
INTO hostile hands, all cgrcss from Pa
mama TO the Pacific could be threat
ened.
This is because the Pacific littoral o.
the two Americas twists into great
arc bending sharply at Panama: the
liaiapagos-dominating the way out
form the KEY to Panama on the west
Key TO Panama.
Little more than 1900 miles from tbe
Canal. these islands are the apex Of a
triangle vital 20 this couniry's hold
on the world shortcut, formed hy Inc
bend % Central America 900 miles north
and the hump Of the South American
continent but $50 miles east Of them.
some German on the Pacific might
Seize this key TO Panama from which
10 establish a submarine blockade OF
The waterway.
\ naval force based on the GALAPAGOS
raiders harrYing our trade. or a fleet
IN force threatening our Supremacy i'm
'he Americas could cause disastrous
results, as those in The high places at
Washington know.
Other Powers Interested.
The United STATES has not been alone
n her attempts TO gain possession OF
he Galapagos Only the Monroe Doc
rine has thus far defeated all negoti-
tions.
From our first efforts in the COS 10
mr. latest attempt in 1914 10 bring Ecu
dor to part with them, the United
iates has watched the islands CLOSELY
ne proposals have taken the form o.
n outright sale. a 99-ycar lease. and
he granting of their use as q naneuver
ase -all without SUCCESS
Hold Weak.
The menace Of The Galapagos 10 pa
anna lies in the weakness Of Ecuador's
old.
Here arc more than p bakers dozen
( Islands lying for 1913 miles along
he equator and stretching northward
nd southwark for i53 miles. They
ave a ladd area Of nearly 5000 square
liies.
The greatest rises 5000 feet above tho
Ait is 100 miles long, and 2S wide
it'll an area Of 1850 square miles. In
S shelter is rendezvous for a great
oet
The climate is good the islands arc
! no means barren 81 resources. and
e capable Of development. Yet Ecu
Tor has a population 10 them OF only
Q. with a wireless station-a small
lony on Floreana; a convict settle
ant on Chatham
niger 30 L. s
Ecuadors failure either 10 develop
r Galapagos herself or allow outside
j to do so make the islands a men
Q TO Panama.
They are a danger which the. United
ltes cannot afford 10 risk these Jays.
make It imperative
at we negotiate an arrangement with
uador whereby we maintain the IN
gritty Of the Galapagos, or the United
ltes sees to il that Ecuador strength
S her hold.
Only then will this Pacific key 10
mama cease to menace us in times
danger.