THE COPE EXPEDITION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 140, 9 March 1920, Page 7

THE COPE EXPEDITION

■ ■* — TO GEOGRAPHICAL ' SOCIETY'S' STATEMENT. T)r TP r ■ LOndo . n ' Mnrclt 2. VT. j. u Cope, in an interview, said JIU IT-H 5 - su^, : isGd at Geographical Society s statement, particularlv iaiq V 'Tt ? II? ?f^' s letter in APrii--1919, stating that the Expedition Commit' tee had approved the general objects of the expedition, but in riew of its ambitioiw nature was unable to recommend it to the council for specific approval until the proposed staff, especially the names of the sailing master and the head of the scientific staff, were known. It hoped, when the plans were more mature, that more specific endorsement would bo given. Dr. Cope states that since then nothing had been heard until a fortnight ago. In the meanwhile the expedition had made headway. Most of the officers had been selected, including Joyce and Wilkins. Dr. Cope deeply tosents the innuendo against his leadership. which he has had no opportunity of defending. • Nevertheless ho is determined to proceed. TTo says tho arrangements are progressing splendidly.—AusN.fl. Cable Assn. [It was announced that the Royal Geographical Society, after full consideration. was -unable to approve of Dr. Cope's plans or leadership of the proposed Antarctic expedition, or to give the expedition its countenanco or support.]