stefansson-wrangel-09-12-074

Bank of Hamilton Building, July 29th, 1923.

Wm. Cory, Esq., Deputy Minister, Department of the Interior, Ottawa, Ont.

Dear Sir:-

Wrangel Island.

Attached you will find copies of two telegrams that I have just received from Mr. Noice at Nome,Alaska. The present situation in this matter is serious and is briefly as follows:

Mr. Noice who is at Nome fitting out the only available vessel there for the relief trip to Wrangel Island has advised that he requires approximately $2500 cash and a further credit of $10,000 to be deposited in the Miners and Merchants Bank at Nome not later than August 1st. This information was promptly cabled to Mr. Stefansson in London, together with the advice that we had no money yere, and could not expect any from the Dominion Government until they at least had had some word as to the action that the Imperial Government might wish to take in reference to Wrangel Island.

Mr. Stefansson has advised that he is sending $2500 but is doubtful about the balance. We have tried to get Lomen Brothers in Nome to advance the necessary credit; this they are unable to do. A critical time is approaching when if the credit is not established and the expedition consequently is delayed, four men and among them, Allan Crawford of Toronto, may perish, if not from exposure, then possibly at the hands of the Siberians mentioned in Mr. Noice’s telegram of the 28th.

The $10,000 credit needed is not for present expenditures but as a guarantee to cover the loss of prolonged delay in the return of the vessel, a greater part of the amount may not be used, and it seems to me that the Dominion Government should under the circumstances assist what is now primarily a rescue expedition by advancing the necessary credit as quickly as possible.

Will you please give this matter your earnest consideration so that you may be able to advise me when I call you on long distance telephone at 12 Eastern Standard Time, Monday, July 30th.

Yours faithfully,