& China & Japan passes through the group without communication. From the extent it is difficult to say how Spain could exercise jurisdiction over these Islands, even if she were desirous of doing so.
The Deler Islands are 1000 m. by direct track from Manila, & the Eastern Caroline Island 1400m. from the Deler Islands.
If the project of entering into trade conventions be entertained, it will be desirable that more definite information than we now possess bearing on the subject be obtained by ships of war; especially as to the relations existing between the Chiefs of the several groups; for the term Caroline Islands is a geographical expression only, the Islanders having no idea of unity among themselves.
The whole group including the Deler Islands is within the limits of the Australian Station.
(Signed) J. J. Evans
Hydrographer.
Page 223