This map was drawn by Howard Burke and published by the newspaper. Los Angeles Examiner in November 1942, during the Second World War.

Burke's propaganda map focuses on the great strategic importance of the Pacific Ocean. The first thing that catches the eye is the large red circle, which defines the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, an idea promulgated in the 1930s in the Empire of Japan to foster pan-Asian sentiment under Japanese rule.

The author includes multiple clarifications on the map explaining the strategic importance to Japan of certain positions taken from the Americans, such as the Philippines, Wake Island, Guam, Kiska (in the Aleutian Islands) and the Solomon Islands. Burke details how all these positions sought to limit communications and the distribution of aid among allies, while allowing Japan to strengthen its presence in Greater East Asia.

A detailed map of Palau appears in the lower right corner. Palau had fallen under the control of the Empire of Japan in 1922, marking Japan's expansion into the South Pacific. The fact that it had been under Japanese control for so long indicated that it could be a strategically important location for Japan's expansionist intentions.

Sources

• The Pacific – Vital area for the United States and Japan