stefansson-wrangel-09-05-021-001

Hudson's Bay

Healdsburg June 3, 1921

Dear Mr. FitzGerald:

With reference to our exchange of telegrams about
Wrangell Island:

(1) As outlined in my previous correspondence: Both the
United States and Great Britain have under international law some
claim to sovereignty sovereignty over Wrangel Island, of which
the British are the stronger. Both have lapsed except that
either can be revived by an occupation by nationals of
either party and of prior occupation by one country cancels the
claims of the other. Russia has no claim to Wrangel
Island nor had any country but the U.S. and Britain.

(2) There is already talk at Washington about
an expedition to the north next year (naval) probably under
command after formerly British but now Americanized
Captain Bartlett.

(3) I have been told by ^{an employee of} the H. Liebe's Company
that they will establish a post in Wrangel ("when
they can"). I think this will be this year or next.

(4) Wrangell will become American or British according
to which nations (through its nationals) first takes
possession. If we don't take possession this year we shall
lose or else have a race for it next year, with consequent
disputes.