VIOLATING THE LAW

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 865, 8 January 1930, Page 16

VIOLATING THE LAW

BYRD’S RADIO REPORTS OPERATING WITHOUT LICENCES The radio transmitters of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition, which daily j sizzle forth throbbing accounts of the hitherto unknown wonders at the bottom of the world, are being operj ated without licences, and. from the 1 standpoint of cold law, can be ordered "oft the air," says the San Francisco | “Chronicle.'’ It is hardly probable that such aci tion will be taken, since the little ' expedition is entirely marooned from the outside world except for its radio. Licences Have Expired But the fact remains that on I October 1 the seven transmitting 1 licences held by direct communication with the United States expired and ■ applications for renewals have not been tiled. Ironical as the situation may seem, the law prescribes that stations on i American “territory” engaged in communications by radio must he licensed. The Byrd stations are on American territory, under the American hag. 1 But even should the commission rule them “off the air," it would have no material effect on communication. ! There is no way of preventing the operation of the stations, either legally or by force.' Fifty Other Violators The valiant little patch of humanity, daily contributing to the scientific knowledge of the world, is not alone, however, in its plight—which | naturally is a mere oversight and a technicality, yet one that violates the law. Some sli other stations or companies in short wave, experimental television, relay broadcasting and general i experimental service are operating without licences, while included are construction permits which expired on October 1. Licences and permits of this nature are issued for one year, j and unless renewals are . filed _ they j automatically lapse.