Attempt On Kanchenjunga May Be Cancelled

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27642, 26 April 1955, Page 13

Attempt On Kanchenjunga May Be Cancelled

(Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, April 25. The world’s highest unclimbed mountain, 28,146 ft Kanchenjunga, is to remain unconquered—because of the superstition of the peasants who live in its shadow, the “Daily Express” reported today. The people of the tiny Indian State of Sikkim venerate the mountain as a god. They bow their heads and pray whenever they see it. Now they are attributing bad weather and poor harvests to the wrath of Kanchenjunga at attempts to reach its peak, the “Daily Express” said. Tne Indian Prime Minister (Mr

Nehru) has bowed to the feelings of the Sikkimese and has obtained a written pledge that the British expedition already climbing the mountain will not attempt the summit, the newspaper said.

The paper added that the pledge had been signed by the joint committee of the Royal Geographical Society and the Alpine Club, which is financing the nine-man party. The party is preparing the way for next year’s full-scale expedition to be led by Sir John Hunt This is now likely to be cancelled, the “Daily Express” said.