2110-7-8-12

All correspondence to be addressed: The Commissioner, R.C.M. Police. Ottawa

10961

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Office of the Commissioner Ottawa

Ref. No. 35D 1456-2-7-Q.13

1st February, 1936.

Your Excellency:

1. In answer to your letter of the 30th January, 1936, it is desired to say that I recently received a letter from Mr. Edward Shackleton with respect to the proposal of Mr. Robert Bentham to continue geological investigations in Ellesmeresland.

2. On the 13th January, 1936, a reply was sent to Mr. Shackleton informing him that I had discussed his proposal informally with the North West Territories Council, who received it favourably, and the general opinion appeared to be that by some such co-operation very useful work could be done.

3. From the Police point of view, we should have no objection to Mr. Bentham being attached to our Craig Harbour Detachment, providing, of course, that the necessary financial and other arrangements can be made.

4. Mr. Shackleton intended to make an official application to the Department of the Interior, and I therefore told him that there was nothing more we could do except to await his official application giving greater details respecting dogs, equipment, supplies, etc., and also further particulars about Mr. Bentham's scientific qualifications.

5. Expeditions to the Canadian Arctic are usually considered by the North West Territories Council. The Deputy Minister of the Interior is the Chairman of that Council and is also Commissioner of the North West Territories. If, therefore, you will kindly take up the matter with the Minister of the Interior, the whole question will be given further consideration.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, [signature] J.H. MacBrien J.H. MacBrien Commissioner.

His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Baron Tweedsmuir, G.C.M.G., C.H., Governor General of Canada, Government House, Ottawa, Ont.