CANTON* 2950'S 171945'W General Canton Island is the largest and most northerly of the Phoenix Island group. The U. S. portion is presently administered by the Depart- ment of Interior, and has been used in the past by the U. S. Navy, U. S. Air Force, Pan American Airways Inc., the Federal Aviation Agency and most recently by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration who terminated their use of the island during January 1968. U. S. portion of Canton Island is uninhabited. Currently, the Physical Data Canton Island is a coral atoll triangular in shape and encloses a large lagoon studded with coral heads. The rim of the atoll is unbroken except for two openings on the west side. The land varies in width from 100 to 700 yards and in height from sea level to 20 ft. The west side lies in a north-south direction and is shortest in length, about 4 miles. The other sides trend southeasterly and meet about 9 miles from the northwesternextremity. There is a coral road around the atoll that takes approximately half an hour to drive. The soil is mostly coral rock and sand and is virtually bare of natural vegetation except for a few scattered palm trees, kou bushes and bunch grass. In addition to several species of birds, there are lizards and rats on the island. Fresh water is not available in large quantities. Climate The climate is tropical with no noticeable seasons. Temperatures range from a night time low of 75°F to a daytime high of 959F. Relative humidity ranges from about 64 to 80 percent. Annual rainfall varies from 8 to 40 inches. The prevailing winds are easterlies 90 percent of the year, ranging from east-northeast to east-southeast, with an average velocity of 12 to 18 knots. The winds rarely blow from the west, and hurricanes are unknown. The visibility is good, averaging from 12 to 30 miles; seldom are there low clouds, fog, mist or haze, Facilities The 6,000 by 150 ft. asphalt surfaced runway has an additional 1,500 ft. overrun strip at the east end. The harbor entrance leads intoa 1,800 by 1, 600 ft. turning basin. The depth of the harbor varies between 27 and 39 ft. Tankers drawing up to 25 ft. of water and cargo ships of 411 ft. in length regularly utilized port facilities during 1967. Harbor facilities included warehousing and a 385 ft. quay with two 40 ft. spurs with a depth of 27 ft. alongside. Itis believed that almost all the support facilities have been removed from the island. This includes the electrical power plant and electrical distribution system, water distillation plant, and some of the living quarters. Building shells, POL storage and the airstrip are a few of the items remaining on the island. The small UK installation is located on the west side, south of the harbor entrance. *Jointly administered by the United States and Great Britain as ownership is in dispute between these two countries. 21-1 VOL II April 1969