ITALIA EXPEDITION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 9

ITALIA EXPEDITION

DEFENDED BY NOBILE “WORTH ALL THE SUFFERING AND SACRIFICES’' WEALTH OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH General Nobile, in an interview, defended the Italia expedition, declaring it to have been worth all the suffering and sacrifices, no Polar expedition in history having accomplished as . much scientifically. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copy rich t.) (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. August 3, 7.35 p.m.) Rome, August 3. General Nobile, in an exclusive interview granted the British United Press, proudly defended the Italia expedition. Throughout the talk he displayed a proud and haughty spirit, ready to challenge anyone attempting to discredit the expedition. He said the expedition was worth all the suffering and sacrifices owing to the wealth of scientific and geographical research it will give the" world. No polar expedition in history had accomplished scientifically as much. “We succeeded. We need no excuses. I repeat that we accomplished our purpose fully. We flew for 243 hours, of Which 134 were spent in flying over the polar regions. We encountered meteorological difficulties which tested the fibre of every man. We overcame a thousand difficulties, and had we continued for three hours more the flight would have been the most complete of any Arctic venture. The mishap to the Italia was unforeseeable.” NORWEGIAN EXPEDITION CONTINUES . . BUT ABANDONED HOPE FOR AMUNDSEN . (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. August 3, 7.35 p.m.) Oslo, August 3. Although the expedition is continuing operations, hope for Captain Amundsen has been abandoned. The result of the Italian inquiry is eagerly awaited, but it is doubted whether the whole of the tragic story will be published. RUSSIAN THE ONLY EXPERT HOPEFUL (Rec. August 3, 7.35 p.m.) Moscow, August 3. Professor Vise, leader of the Russian expedition on board the Malygin, has arrived, and is tlio only expert hopeful for Amundsen. He believes the veteran landed in a region where there are bears and reindeer, and his expert knowledge would enable him to maintain life for a year.