stefansson-wrangel-09-38-005-003

worry because of their long isolation, and a supply ship
should be sent this year. I have a number of men who are
eager to go, who have been either members of my previous
expeditions, or who are near relatives of the men now on the
island. Those on the island will probably also desire to stay,
but it is likely that one or two will want to come out.

Full details as to Wrange1 Island have been submitted
to the Foreign, Colonial, Admiralty, and Air Departments. I
believe the Air Ministry has recommended the retention of Wrangel
Island as a potentially valuable air base of the future, and that
the Admiralty have recommended it as a useful radio station. From
conversations with officers of the Foreign Office, I believe they
agree that our legal right to the island is clear, with the American
claim second, and the Russian weakest. From conversations with
prominent Government officials in Washington, I believe the feeling
there rather favours our retention of the island, for the reason
that should we surrender it the Americans cannot take possession of
it without causing great apprehension in Japan as to what American
motives may be in occupying the island. I gather the Americans
fear the storm of protest in Japan would be so violent that under
present circumstances they would not feel justified in arousing it.
For that reason they would probably want to see us retain it,
preferring our occupation to Russian.

No expenditure of money by the Government is celled for
by our retention of the island. My colony is there and can be
maintained and increased through private enterprise if only we
have soon a declaration that the Empire will retain it.

3.