2110-7-8-16

5th February, 1936.

The Honble Thomas A. Crerar, M.P. etc., Parliament Buildings, Ottawa.

I was Chairman from the start of the Oxford Exploration Club, and during the last two years we have had a very successful expedition to North Ellesmereland, led by Mr. Edward Shackleton, the son of the famous explorer. I have now heard from him that the geologist who was with that expedition, Mr. Robert Bentham, is anxious to continue his geological investigations in Ellesmere Island, and he has asked me to find out if the Canadian authorities would be favourable to this proposal. He has written to Sir James MacBrien, and also, I understand, he is making an official application to the Department of the Interior. I gather from Sir James that, from the Police point of view, there would be no objection to Mr. Bentam being attached to the Craig Harbour group provided the necessary financial, and other arrangments could be made.

I think there is no doubt about Mr. Bentham's scientific qualifications, and he certainly did admirable work in the recent expedition. I understand that expeditions to the Canadian Arctic are usually considered by the North-west Territories Council, which is a branch of your Department. I am venturing to write to

you to ask that you will give any application from Mr. Shackleton your kindly consideration, for I know him and his colleagues well, and I believe that the proposed expedition of Mr. Bentham might have really valuable results.

Yours very sincerely,