The Washington times., 1921-03-27
PAC|F|C|SLAND
IS SL0ST T0U.S.
Nipponese Hold All Civil Offices
Now, Says Tokyo
Communique.
HARBOR REPORTED GOOD
Mikado's Men Pronounce Haven
Suitable for U-Boat
Base.

The contentious of the State, War
and Navy Departments, since Yap
was first awarded to Japan, that It
was a point Of strategic value now
practically lost to the United States,
are borne out by the official Japan
ese foreign office.
JAPAN SHOWS HAND.
The main points In the communique,
as they appear here, now establish
officially. for the first time, that
Japan Is taking over the Island of
zap bodily and setting up a civil
Japanese government there. despite
the protest OF the United States.
In addition. 1t is pointed out that
the official Jananese statement shows
that the harbors can accommodate
vessels of 5000 tons displacement. 1t
never has been asserted, Navy Off
cials say. that 1t was the purpose OF
japan to erect formidable land forth
fications. 1t has been stated, how
ever, that there 10 ample room for .
submsrinc caSe and seaplane base.
These two elements of warfare now
arc at the head of the Developments
for offensive and defensive warfare-
1t is stated without reservation by
Navy officials that the communiaus
demonstrates the intention of Japan
to found a great Japanese colony on
naval base. y
The principal value of a naval base
there is that, in addition to it's local
value, it is to be made a port of call.
and. therefore. coaling station.
COUNTS ON ALLIED BACkERS.s
The diplomatic view of the Japa-
x.nc l.. sLN T..
taken for granted that her mandate
over the island gives her absolute
control over the island. and that she
has reasons to believe that the allied
council, to meet in May. will not in
terfere with that absolute posses
sion, notwithstanding the protest OF
the United States.
A string as stout as a three-inch
rope has been tied to a proposition
by Japan to let the United States
"have the link of cable between Guam
and Yap." 1t was learned today
that this proposition has been made
officially to the United States
II is said that a proposed gift"
from France to the United States OF
the cable from New York to Brest is
likewise hedged about with terms
which make it unacceptable to this
Government.
Both offers have been made to tho
United States in such shape that they
are intended to be solution of the
problem of a fair distribution of the
former German-owncd cables.
WOULD "HOG" CABLE.
1t was pointed out that the Japanese
offer on the surface indicates that
the United States is to be given the
right to control the Guam-Yap cable
The contrary is true. however. and it
Is stated that the real operation at
the Yap end would be entirely Jap
anese would also have the right to
pass upon the transit of messages to
other cables. f
By this arrangement, II is pointed
out. the United States will gain moth
ing at all except the public statement
by Japan that the United States has
been awarded by Japan the former
German cable between Guam and Yap.
Officials of one of the embassies in
interest said today that this was true
also as to the value of the offer Of
France to let the United States have
the cable from Brest to New York
1t was pointed out that the cable
would be OF very little value, consider
Ing the opportunities of American
commerce at this time by other cables
to France.