stefansson-wrangel-09-24-001

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probably open now, and again they are climbing the hills watching for a sail. If none comes they will be fearing their third Arctic winter, which would make theirs the longest period of isolation of men without a ship in the history of polar exploration. The only adventure comparable is that of Sir John Franklin, whose men had two well-found ships which they abandoned at the end of the third winter, dying to the last man.

But a ship has sailed. The Donaldson, under command of Harold Noice, one of the veterans of my last polar expedition, has left Nome, Alaska, on her 500-mile journey northwest to Wrangell Island. We did not announce her sailing date and we cannot announce her route. An extraordinary action of the Soviet government has made caution that in-advisable. Just before sailing time, Noice received a communication from them saying he must cable for permission to sail. This permission, the message stated, would be granted on condition that he would on his way call at East Cape, Siberia, to pick up a contingent of Red Guards to take to Wrangell Island. The Red Guards would then confiscate all property of the British party. The Soviet attitude is the more extraordinary since it is clear ( as we have shown in the articles published in the Spectator of June 9 and June 16 ) that the British claim to the island is strongest, the American second and the Russian a very bad third. Had

Last edit over 1 year ago by Fleksta
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Noice agreed to carry the Red Guards to Wrangell they would probably have been the first Russians who ever set foot in that island.

The situation was made more tense by the American newspapers, publishing of that day which carried a dispatch from Vladivostok saying that an armed Russian expedition was being outfitted there "for the capture of Wrangell Island."

In view of this, situation I cabled Noice to disregard both the newspaper story and the Soviet message. He was to assume that a predatory expedition, even if carried out by the Russians, would have no effect upon the ultimate nationality of Wrangell Island. In case of a real dispute, this would doubtless be adjudicated by an International Court which would pay attention to discovery, exploration and occupation. On those grounds the Russians have no case.

Some years there may be considerable interference by ice, but in frequently the sea between Nome and Wrangell is as open as the Atlantic. With good luck the Donaldson may return to Nome any time after August 20 bringing such of the island party as can be spared from the work going on there. Those who return The returning party will then have a story to tell that will rank with the most romantic in Arctic history. Should the Soviet really intervene, or should ice prevent the ship from reaching the island, there may be complications of adventure and tragedy which no-one can now foretell.

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