Washington, Jan. 4.
X'TENSION of America's lines of defence in the Pacific as far west as Guam, with the strategic development of naval and air bases at Hawaii, Midway, Guam 4nd other Pacific Islands, was urged in the report of the Special Board of Naval Experts headed by Rear-Admiral Arthur Hepburn which the Secretary of Navy, Mr. Claude Swanson, sent to Congress today.
The report recommended fortification of Guam as an advanced fleet base to afford "practical immunity of the Philippines against hostile attack in force." Observers noted that naval experts in the past had advised Congress that Japan would resent such action. The Board made no specific new recommendations regarding defence of the Philippines "except in respect to the major plans recommended for Guam.
"Defence of the Philippines involves matters of national policy which takes precedence over the military problem," the report said. "The military problem itself is one whose solution requires measures beyond any that could be. recommended by this board within the limits of its precept. Pending a settlement of those questions of broad political and military significance which must be considered in connection with Philippine independence, the Board recommends the maintenance of existing facilities recommendations would strengthen United States lines of communications in defence of the south Pacific as well as the western Pacific.
Admiral Hepburn's report said Hampton Roads, Quantico, Pensacola, San Diego, Alameda and Seattle naval bases should be enlarged and that three secondary bases should be established in Alaska, These included a submarine base at Kodiak Island to accommodate one division, and a base at Unalaska which would permit "extended operations, with or without tender support."
The report, which was compiled in accordance with instructions of the 75th Congress, recommended a programme of strengthening. continental Gefence through the establishment of new air bases and preparations to support the fighting fleet in either the Pacific or Atlantic at any time.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.