Northwest History. Alaska. Espionage.

• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1936
• Subjects: spys; Japanese espionage; Washington; capitol; Representative Sirovich; airplane; Delegate Dimond; the Asiatic power; house merchant marine committee; the Aleutian Islands; Japanese craft; the vessels; Sirovich; the United States; Alaska; submarine; Northwest; Pacific > History > 20th century; Pacific; Aleutian Islands
• Online Access: http://content.libraries.wsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/clipping/id/91090

Spys Ride In Alaska Fish Tugs: Charges Of Espionage By Japanese Heard In Capital. Spys Ride In Alaska Fish Tugs Charges of Espionage By Japanese Heard In Capital WASHINGTON, Feb. 7. (/P) —Charges of extensive Japanese espionage in Alaska, conducted from vessels ostensibly operated as fishing craft, were echoed at the capitol. Representative Sirovich (DNY) asserted the Japanese actually were engaged in "spotting possible airplane fields and submarine bases." Delegate Dimond (D-Alaska) declared the Xsiatic power had amassed detailed information of the territory for use in the event of war. Both spoke before the house merchant marine committee yesterday. Dimond, contending "the Japanese know as much about the Alaskan coastline and the Aleutian Islands as we do and possibly more," said surveying parties from Japanese craft do not always stay outside the three-mile limit. "Several times residents have seen them irside the line and even on shore," he said. "The shore parties, as well as the vessels, have indicated visitors are unwelcome." Sirovich declared it was the purpose of Japan in the event of war "to grab Alaska nnd thus provide a food supply for the fish-eating Japanese people. He deplored the "Inadequate" defenses of the United States in Alaska and on the Aleutian Islands and said the islands could feadfly be used as submarine and airplane.