Davidson (DE 1045) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 31 text:

!¥-?- 27

Page 30 text:

f V IT 1 1 -■ ' r - • ' 9 ■ s

Page 32 text:

Kaohsiung Taiwan Taiwan is an island about 233 miles long and from 70 to 90 miles wide. It is separated from the Chinese Mainland by a strait varying in width from 90 to 220 miles. The city of Kaohsiung is situated in South- western Taiwan, 325 miles east of Hong Kong and 5.52 miles north of Manila. Plans for the development of Kaohsiung as a naval port were formulated by the Japanese following the cession of Taiwan (Formosa) to Japan in 1895. But large scale construction work in the development of the harbor facilities wasn ' t started until 1908. And by 1920, Kaohsiung became one of the two most important ports, and the largest harbor, on the island. During World War II, the Japanese used the harbor as their primary naval and supply base for staging military advances to the south and southwest. Consequently, the city was a key air target, and suffered heavy destruction from allied bombing. Visiting units of the U.S. Navy have been received by the Chinese people in a most cordial and courteous manner. Both civilian and military officials have cooperated in every possible way to insure that the American servicemen who visit this city will leave it with many pleasant memories and a better understanding of the Chinese way of life. The fact that the Chinese people have customs, traditions, and living conditions different from our own is recognized. The hardships suffered by many of these people are beyond our own experiences. But the friendship between them and ourselves is a pleasant association which is desirable to preserve. Thus it was and is up to us as visitors in their land to demonstrate a friendly understanding and a will for mutual cooperation. This is best accomplished by a ready smile or a friendly nod, which when backed up by good manners, will make a favorable impression in any city in the world. 28 iff Hr — - -