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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