1939: Japanese Pacific Islands

The Japanese Pacific Islands consist of three groups numbering over 600 islands and islets in all: Marianas (excepting Guam), Caroline and Marshall Islands. Formerly German possessions, they were mandated to Japan by the Versailles Treaty. They stretch from the Equator up into the North Pacific to 21° N. lat. and lie scattered between roughly 145° and 175° E. Long. They have a total area of 830 sq. mi. and a total population estimated in 1936 at 108,000 inhabitants chiefly of native Malayan and Japanese stock.

The principal products are copra, cane sugar, cocopalm, bananas, coconuts, cotton, yams, alcohol, tapioca, taro, and coffee. Total exports in 1937 were estimated at about $4,300,000; total imports, $3,200,000. The islands are administered by a Governor, with headquarters at Korror in the Caroline group and responsible to the Japanese Minister of Overseas Affairs. On April 4, 1939, the Japanese Government announced the opening of a new air service between Yokohama and Saipan of the Marianas Islands. Reports that the Japanese Government was fortifying a number of the mandated islands in violation of the terms of the Mandates of 1922 were given additional credence by the failure of Japan to submit a report on the islands to the Mandate Commission and to the United States in accordance with the 1922 Treaty. These rumors were, however, denied by various Japanese officials.