GRAF ZEPPELIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1929, Page 5

GRAF ZEPPELIN

TO GO OVER THE POLE.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). BERLIN, May 15. The Aero-Arctic International Association -has drafted the programme of the Graf Zeppelin’s Arctic expedition for February and March of 1939, including a three days’ cruise over the North Pole. Dr Nansen is leading the expedition and Commander Efckener is command ing the Graf Zeppelin. Tho chief aim of the expedition is to investigate the possibility ol a regular airship route across the Arctic, and to establish the extent off the Arctic Ocean. BERLIN, May 14. The start of the Graf Zeppelin on its trans-Atlantic flight has been pos-. pmed, as the northern route is at present not negotiable, owing to bad conditions in the Channel and on the German and Dutch coasts. FRENCH LEAVE GRANTED. PARIS, May 15. Contrary to tho. Berlin report, the French Government has authorised the Graf Zeppelin to fly over French territory, following an application by the German Embassy. The conditions are less restrictive than when the flight was made to Egypt. Three alternative routes are offered and considerable latitude is allowed regarding the time, as it is realised atmospheric conditions I render it difficult to adlicro to a rigid time table. PROPOSED CRUISES. (Times Service). (Received this day at 9.25. a.m.) LONDON, May 15. The Times Berlin correspondent states the Graf Zeppelin is now ready to leave Fred rich shaven on its second United States flight. The passenger list of eighteen includes two representatives of the German Ministry of Commerce. Commander Clarke, of Lakehurst airship station states Eckener has received notification that the Zeppelin will not bs allowed to cross the French frontier except between . seven and nine in the morning. The French attitude is due to the Graf Zeppelin at a low altitude flying oyer the fortress of Behancon recently, and the important engineering centre of Lee-, rousott. The airship stays at Lake Hurst and returns. to Fricdriclishaven on 25th May for Scandinavian cruises until 15th July, when she returns to Lake Hurst, which is the official starting point of a twenty-one day round world cruise, tho route being back to Friedriclishaven. thence to California via Tokio to Lake Hurst; thence Friedriclishaven via England. STOWAWAY 61 ON GRAF. BERLIN, May 15. Despite announcements that stowaways on the Graf Zeppelin will he parachuted overboard, three were arrested while attempting to conceal themselves. It transpires that (permission to cross France is conditional on' all photographic apparatus being sealed up. The Air Ministry must 'be informed by telegraph after the start of the route selected in order that French aeroplanes may accompany the Zonpclin. The stipulation have excited considerable indignation among the passengers and eien. It is expected to depart to-morrow.