Minute by Rear-Admiral Alexander Bethell, Director of Naval Intelligence, on Fanning Island, an atoll in the Pacific Ocean on the direct route from Vancouver [Canada] to Auckland [New Zealand], and from San Francisco [United States] to Fiji and Sydney [Australia]. The island had been bought by an Anglo-Canadian syndicate who hoped to work its phosphates resources, and were investigating the possibility of creating a coaling station for merchant steamers; Bethell recommends improving the harbour. [Typescript, signed by Bethell, and initialled by WSC].