harold-noice-01-02-19-002

The Bureau of Education out here should be the proper people
to take the matter in hand to look after the natives interests.
But I will tell you frankly (mind you this is confidential)
that I do not want to trust the Seattle heads of that Bureau too
far. You might know that Mr. Lopp is no longer its head nor
has he anything to do with it. If he had I would feel differ-
ently.

If you want to trust me with any copy of any evidence you may
be sure that it will never leave my hand without your consent.

Now, Mr. Noise, I feel quite sure that within a short time
something is going to happen out here and it is likely that I
am going to be deeply involved in it. And now, you might see
how important it is for me to know everything. Now, this is
as much for your own protection as it is for the wellfare of
those natives. Send me a statement and any evidence you may
have. I again assure you that you can trust me with it.

Last Friday I was at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce meeting
and dinner. The chairman announced that on next Friday, the 6th,
Mr. Steffensen's secretary is going to give a talk on the
eskimoes and their connection with Wrangel Island. I will let
you know what he has to say.

I am going to register this letter so that I know that noone
but you gets it and besides I will get someone else to reg-
ister it in their own name so that noone in the Explorer’s
Club will know who it is from. It would be my wish and to my
interest that noone knows that I am corresponding with you.

If you did not reeeive my letter from Ketchikan, I will gladly
forward you another copy.

Hoping for a favorable reply, I am

Sincerely yours,

Joseph F. Bernard