TRANS-ANTARCTIC CROSSING

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28479, 8 January 1958, Page 8

TRANS-ANTARCTIC CROSSING

Hillary And Fuchs Disagree

(N.Z. Press Association-Copyright) (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 7. The exchange of telegrams between Dr. Fuchs, Sir Edmund Hillary and the London Committee of Management of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition has been released.

From Sir Edmund Hillary to Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Slessor, Chairman of the Committee of Management, copy to Mr C. Bowden, Chairman of the Rom Sea Committee:

“Dr. Fuchs on Sunday morning was 357 miles from the Pole in heavy sastrugi and doing repairs to a weasel. He advises that the Otter reported a very high ridge covered with enormous sastrugi at about 87 degrees south, although he hopes, with reasonable luck, to be at the Pole by January 20. This will require a much higher average

than he has been able to maintain.” “Have expressed my view to Fuchs that with extreme delay in his programme and the punishment his vehicles are sustaining that he would be most unwise to attempt to continue on over the 1250 miles to Scott Base this season. This journey could only be done at considerable risk

and at the sacrifice of any effective seismic programme. “I suggested that he winter his vehicles at the South Pole and that his party be evacuated by air and that in November they fly in again to the Pole in ample time to recondition their vehicles and complete their journey with full scientific pro-

gramme. “I have no doubt that Admiral Dufek would be anxious to assist in this as Fuchs does not realise that his delayed progress is causing considerable concern not only to ourselves, but also to the Americans. They accept the fact that it will be their job whether they are asked or not to initiate rescue action and that therefore both naval and

air forces will be tied up here awaiting Fuchs’s safe arrival. ’ “Although Dr. Fuchs requested that one of my mechanics accompany him from the Pole to Scott Base, neither of my men, who have done an outstanding job, is prepared to take on this job, which they regard as extremely foolhardy at this

time of the year. “When I advised Dr. Fuchs of my views he replied more in sorrow than in anger, and expressed himself determined to go on despite all. “Although Dr. Fuchs was anxious for me to travel with' him from the Pole, I have advised him that rather than wait several weeks, inactive at the Pole, I would return to Scott Base and get on with my job and then join him at one of the depots.” “To my mind, enough prestige will have been gained by the arrival of Dr. Fuchs and ourselves at the South Pole to enable a modification of plans to allow the task to be carried out in a reasonable and safe manner over a two-year period, whereas a forced march late in the season could well cause most unfavourable publicity. ."Your instructions are the only thing that can enable Dr. Fuchs to save face and adopt a modified plan, so I would earnestly request that the management committee should give this matter its earliest consideration. “(Signed) HILLARY.”

From Dr. Fuchs to the London Management Committee:— “Have received a message from Hillary urging me to abandon the journey at the Pole and return here next season to 'Continue work. “His grounds are the deterioration of the weather late in the season. I am aware of this possibility, which must be accepted. “I have informed him there is no question of abandonment, and the return of the party the following season is impracticable. He does not wish to accompany us from the Pole, but offers to join us at Depot 700. “He states his agreement with his mechanics’ views that the continuation of the journey late in the season is an unjustifiable risk. “I do not agree, but have informed him that I do not feel able to ask him to join us at Depot 700 to use his local knowledge, but will find my own way out. “(Signed) FUCHS.” Sir John Slessor to Dr. Fuchs: ‘‘The committee have considered your telegram and Hillary’s. We have full confidence in you and your judgment as leader of the expedition. ‘‘We support your decision and any other you may make. ‘‘Best wishes and congratulations on present progress.” Sir John Slessor to Ross Sea Committee: ‘‘We believe that Fuchs’s progress across most difficult country is thoroughly satisfactory and would now expect his rate of advance to increase satisfactorily, as is indeed happening. Should further delays through any reason occur, however, then the duties of the supporting parties under Hillary become correspondingly greater. “We consider that these duties include the laying of additional depots, including 800 ( 800 miles from Scott Base), should Fuchs so require, and would urge that the necessary action to this end be begun, using the Otter aircraft as necessary.”

EFFECTS OF DISPUTE Prime Minister Questioned

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 7. Suggestions that the disagreement between Dr. Vivian Fuchs and Sir Edmund Hillary would affect Commonwealth relations were denied today by the Prime Minister (Mr Nash).

“I am satisfied that nothing that has been done will in any way alter the relationships of the Commonwealth, even in a small degree,” he said.

Mr Nash said that he accepted the good faith of both men, and would rely on this to heal any apparent breach. He had taken no steps to mediate, nor did he intend to do so. The Prime Minister was asked whether a mistake might have been made in making public Sir Edmund Hillary’s recommendations to Dr. Fuchs that he abandon his continental crossing because of worsening weather. He replied that it appeared to him that Sir Edmund Hillary's message had not been intended for publication. Sir Edmund Hillary apparently had merely wanted to give his opinion and the benefit of his experience to Dr. Fuchs. Sir Edmund Hillary must have known the conditions on the spot. “I have every confidence in his integrity and ability,” said Mr Nash. Refusal of Request Mr Nash was asked whether any disciplinary action might be taken against the two mechanics in the New Zealand party who had refused a request from Dr. Fuchs that one of them stay behind at the South Pole and continue the journey with him.

“There is no disciplinary action I could take that would have justification,” said the Prime Minister. “These fellows know the journey, and apparently Sir Edmund Hillary is trying to persuade Dr. Fuchs not to make it at this time.

“I do not think that Sir Edmund Hillary’s actions at any time would be in any way opposed to what was the right thing to do. His main object would be the advancement and safety of all parties. Dr. Fuchs and himself included.” Mr Nash denied that the New Zealand Government had put pressure on Sir Edmund Hillary to make his dash from Depot 770 to the Pole. No pressure whatever had been brought to bear on the expedition, he said.

Since he sent his message of congratulations to Sir Edmund Hillary on his successful journey to the pole, Mr Nash has not been in communication with him. He could not indicate, he said, what Sir Edmund Hillary’s immediate plans were. Lord Bledisloe, a former Governor-General of New Zealand, has sent a message to Mr Nash asking him to convey his congratulations to Sir Edmund Hillary on his “superb achievement” in reaching the pole.