OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER
FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC,
SUVA, FIJI.
9th August, 1939.
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that during discussions
with the Resident Commissioner and Mr. H.E. Maude,the Officer in
Charge of the Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme, on my recent
visit to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, it was suggested
that a branch of the Colony postal service should "be stab11shed
in Canton Island in the Phoenix Group.   Mr. Maude stated that for
some time now the Acting Administrative Officer there had been
receiving requests from stamp collectors and from the considerable
United States population now resident in the island for supplies
of Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony postage stamps.   He has also
received requests for the acceptance of ready-stamped envelopes
and packets for postage, but he has been unable to comply as there
, is no British Post Office in the island.    This demand will
undoubtedly be largely increased in the near future in view of N
the proposed calls at the island of United States trans-Pacific
air services.
2. In view of the obvious benefit to Colony revenue
which would result from the establishment of British postal
facilities in the island, I recommend for your approval the
early establishment there of such facilities under the control
of the Acting Administrative Officer.    No extra expense would
be involved.   There is also the further consideration that postal
matter emanating from Canton Island stamped with British stamps
would show the public that the island is not an exclusive
American territory.
3. I shall be glad to receive your approval by telegraph.
I have, etc,,
The Right Honourable wf^d2 H#C* Luke'
The Secretary of State for the Colonies.        igh Commissioner.