stefansson-wrangel-09-32-105v

Appendix VIII

Discussions in the Parliament of Canada about Wrangel
Island
COPIED FROM “HOUSE OF COMMONS’ DEBATES”
May 12, 1922, In Supply on Naval Service Estimates.
Item: Patrol of Northern Waters of Canada, $15,000.

Mr. Meighen [Leader of the Opposition]: Will the Minister
state what is the policy of the Government towards the Northern
islands, with particular reference to those covered by the Stefans-
son expedition, laid claim to on behalf of Canada, and to Wrangel
Island.

Mr. Graham: It is a delicate matter to state the policy of the
Government on that question.

Mr. Meighen: Has the Government any policy?

Mr. Fielding: What we have we hold.

Mr. Meighen: I would recommend the Government never to fall
away from that principle.

Mr. Graham: Some people have failed to do that.

Mr. Meighen: The Government failed once, but I think if they
had the same thing to do over again they would act differently.

Mr. Graham: The old Government.

Mr. Meighen: Yes, the old Government my hon. friend was in.
It is well known there is a dispute as to Wrangel Island. The
question of the proper attitude of Canada towards that Island is
doubtless before the Government. This vote has to do with these
matters and I am asking if the Government is in a position to say
what its views are with relation to the retention of Wrangel Island
or the continuance of Canada’s claim thereto; and the same words
apply to the other islands covered by the expedition.

Mr. Graham: The policy of the Government, as I understand it,

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