East Timor.

This is coolbert:

From MARCONI through Harry at Sharkhunters we have some intelligence of significance:

"Seems that China is causing some concern to the Australians as evidenced by this posting today from an Australian based monitor. I know the Australians have a fairly well equipped navy and some territorial interests in East Timor, and will post any further updates I get . . . "

"REGARDING HMAS Diamentiana. The Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Diamantina (specialty: mine countermeasures)"

"Families of crew of the forenamed vessel have been advised the following":

"That due to a 'change in mission,' sailors would be unable to communicate with their families during the coming three weeks. Rumors among the families are that there is a possible crisis in or near East Timor, with a Chinese flotilla (unknown which ships) headed in that direction. Further rumors are that the Chinese were discovered attempting to establish/refurbish an air base on East Timor, and that this is the reason for the hubbub."

That military relationship between the island of Timor and Australia quite long and storied. Chinese poaching in and area of the world traditionally aligned with Australia is not appreciated by Canberra?

coolbert.