stefansson-wrangel-09-06-130-003

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to talk with him, explaining everything.

I have had an opportunity to discuss my political ideas with
Sir Auckland Geddes. He cautioned me as to the great importance of
keeping them confidential, as both Japan and Russia (but in my opinion
especially Japan) are likely to see in Wrangel Island exactly the same
strategic importance as we do whenever their attention is called to the
case. Because of geographic position the United States and other
countries do not seem to be so intimately concerned. However, a thing
that is to be kept secret from anyone must be kept secret from everyone,
on which point, as I have said, Sir Auckland cautioned me strongly.

While there seems to be no other country that has any real
claim to Wrangel Island besides ourselves, it is nevertheless well to
secure further our position by quiet occupation for as long a time as
possible before it occurs to anyone else to become interested.

This letter is extremely confidential.

Mr. Edward FitzGerald,
Hudson's Bay Company,
208 Main Street,
Winnipeg, Manitoba.