Japan issues the Provisional South Seas Defense Force regulations, formally starting military government.

What happened

The regulations created the Provisional South Seas Defense Force, a naval command that both defended and governed the islands. Its headquarters were on Natsushima (today’s Tonoas) in Chuuk Lagoon, with garrisons at Saipan, Palau, Truk, Ponape and Jaluit.

Why it matters

Naval military rule lasted until civilian government began in April 1922.