stefansson-wrangel-09-12-074-001

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 infor-
mation 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 con-
sequently 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,