Pacific Islands 91/ 2£ H
BRITISH ZMBASaY,
WASHINGTON, PV C.\
February 17th, 1959
No. 806
Mr Xordf
67
X have the honour to report that a bill
(H.R. 2082) was recently introduced In the House of
Representatives ffto extend the Jurisdiction of the
United states District Court, Territory of Hawaii
over the Midway Island , Wake Island, Johnston
Island, Sand Island, Kingman Reef, Kure Ialand,
Baker Island, Rowland Island, Jarvis Island, Canton
Island and Knderbury Island, and for other purposes**
of the same nature.
2. With the exception of Canton and En6?erbury
Islands, the islands named are all United States
possessions. Including presumably Sand Island which
is little more than a rock, six to eight feet high,
five hundred yards long and a few yards wide,
adjacent to Johnston Island.
S« As regards Canton and Knderbury Islands,
however, I thought it well to bring this bill
informally to the attention of the chief of the
European Division in the State Department.   Ur. Moffat
said that he had not seen an&astill less Inspired
the bill but promised that he would look into the
matter.   For my part I merely said that 1 thought
the Question of Jurisdiction was one which should be
considered/
The Right Honourable
The Viscount Halifax, K.Q.,
etc.,      etc., etc.
VALM:FRHM:ACEM:DH
li

considered by wr two geverncneftts* and discussed,
and that I van inviting tour Lordship's attention
to the bill*
X have the honour to be,
with the highest respect,
My Lord,
Your Lordship'e most obedient*
humble servant,
(S0D) V. A* £. MAWST
H.M. Chargs" d*Affaires.