Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
In January 1938, Western Pacific High Commission representatives paid an official
inspection visit to Abariringa (Canton) and Orona (Hull) (Anon. 1938g). Mr. Rostier, the
radio operator on Abariringa (Canton) was replaced by Mr. Manning.
In 1938, President Roosevelt placed Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury under the U.S.
Department of Interior (Bordon 1961; see also Follett 1943; Office of Territories 1963; 1937
according to Grattan 1963a). For the text of the transfer to the Department of Interior, see
Reeves (1939). Anon. (1939f) noted that the U.S. claim was rather pointless. The U.S. did
nothing for over 50 years to exert any claim. It was not until trans-Pacific flights developed
that it asserted its claim.
In February 1938, the U.S. Department of Interior issued orders for the establishment of
permanent American stations on Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury (Schuyler 1939).
On March 3, 1938 (according to Degener and Gillaspy 1955), the United States proclaimed
sovereignty over Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury (Anon. 1938a; Anon. 1938d; Enderby
according to Grattan 1961; March 8, 1938 according to Orent and Reinsch 1941). This was
viewed with alarm in Tokyo (Anon. 1938b). Anon. (1937d) noted that the American claim
to Abariringa (Canton) was a little cheeky. It was noted that the 1937 National Geographic
Society map showed the Phoenix Islands as belonging to Britain (Anon. 1937d).
On March 7, 1938 (according to Bryan 1941, 1942, and 1974; see also Degener and Gillapsy
1955), seven Hawaiian-Americans were landed on Abariringa (Canton) to support the U.S.
claim over this island (Anon. 1938c, Daniel 1943; Follett 1943; November 1937 according to
Baarslag 1940; March 7, 1938 according to McIntire 1960). Williams (1938) noted that no
U.S. born Japanese Americans were selected as colonists, even though they dominated the
population of Hawaii. Williams (1937) noted that over 100 applications were received for
the colonist posts on Abariringa (Canton) and Enderbury. These colonists were called
“Panala’au” the Hawaiian word for colonists (Oates 2003).
A summary of the off-loading of the colonists was provided by Waesche (1938). As part of
the off-loading process, a shock recorder was installed to record earth waves. During that
visit, two American surveyors completed a survey of Abariringa (Canton) (Bryan 1974). The
colonists were to collect meteorological data in preparation of possible commercial air bases
(Orent and Reinsch 1941).
The American colonists raised the American flag to the official objections of the British
representatives on Abariringa (Canton) (Schuyler 1939).
In 1938, there were 6 New Zealanders on Abariringa (Canton) (Anon. 1938c). The relations
between the two nationalities were friendly (Anon. 1938h).
American colonists were instructed that the friendliest relations be maintained with the
British (Anon 1938f). This included beer drinking, poker, and bridge (see also Williams
1938). Black (1939) added ice cream to this list. Black (1938) reported that during a visit by
the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Roger B. Taney, personal relations between the British and
American residents of Abariringa (Canton) were excellent (see also Williams 1938).
49