stefansson-wrangel-09-08-044-001

Aug 19

Stef. Exped

June 26th, 1922.

V. Stefansson, Esq.,
c/o American Geographical Society,
Broadway at 156th St.,
New York, U.S.A.

Wrangel Island.

Dear Stefansson,

I am writing on the train en route to Vancouver,
and so far am without definite information as to what Ottawa
intends doing in regard to Wrangel Island, but should hear
on my return home by Monday, June 26th.

I think I told you in a previous letter that both
Finnie and Cory had said that the lease would be forthcoming
within twenty-four hours of receipt of word from the Govern-
ment to go ahead, and Finnie in my presence told Cory to get
the preliminary work on the lease under way. I am afraid
of the delays at Ottawa, but perhaps we will get word in a
few days.

On the supposition that the Government do nothing,
what is our next move? We must, I take it, send to Wrangel
in August. Supposing we take all the men off the Island,
will this seriously jeopardize our claim to the Island, or
simply lose one season for us? I told Dr. King that we must
continue occupation, and this was my plea for quick action.

Assuming the Government do nothing further, would
you feel that the debate of May 12th in the House had defin-
itely committed them to retain Wrangel Island and that your
conversation with the Premier and others constituted adequate
assurances that we would ultimately be given a lease, even
though there were delays?

I am trying to plan how to get all further finances
the Company needs without calling upon you, but a lease now
or at any rate in the not too far distant future, is an abso-
lute essential; otherwise the Company has no assets except
glory.

I did not see the man I wanted at MacMillan's, Toronto,
but have written suggesting the plan I spoke of for selling