AMERICAN FLEET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1940, Page 6

AMERICAN FLEET

RETURN TO HONOLULU STATEMENT BY COMMANDER. “MERELY ROUTINE TRAINING.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day. 12.30 p.m.) HONOLULU, June 30. The Fleet has returned here and has anchored in the Lahina Roads. The fleet commander. Admiral Richardson. has issued the following statement: “In regard to the departure on June 24 of the major portion of the American Fleet, this was merely routine training, simulating a war time sailing without prior notification. Such exercises have taken place in the past and are an essential and valuable part of the training. They are expected to occur again at irregular intervals. “The nature of the exercise precluded the use of radio; otherwise I would have corrected the highly speculative impression created by the manoeuvre.” Despite this statement, the return of the Fleet has created unofficial speculation regarding the sudden change of plans, inasmuch as the highest sources last week said the Fleet fully intended to go to Panama. The possibility is seen that the worsening of the Far Eastern situation may have been a factor. NEWS AT PANAMA FLEET STILL EXPECTED. — (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) PANAMA, June 30. It is unofficially stated that the United States Fleet is expected to arrive at Panama on July 4. A report stated that at least a large proportion would immediately make a transit of the Canal to the Atlantic. The Navy Department in Washington declined to confirm or deny the report.