The Kusko times., 1937-10-29
THE ALASKA AIR PROGRAM
(Juneau Empire)

tJuneau Empref
 Down in Seattle they little concerned over projected interior Alaska Canada ap prehensive that Alaska air business might be shunted another direction than through Seattle The Postntel Hgencer expresses it in these words:
 The announcement of the merger of Nation al Park Airways with Western Airways Express effective August l, and the presence in Edmon- ton Alberta, of United States department of commerce officials and airline executives is tice to Seattle that the recently reported inter ior air route to Alaska is virtually ready be- gin operations.
 Unfortunately this region will be left sdetrack for time, in air connections with Alaska
 This condition should not continue.
 Students of aviation recognize the impor-- tance of established commercial air routes. t is patent that the short line to Alaska by seapane is from Puget Sound and that an interior route can be developed along the route of the propos- ed Alaska International Highway. that will be much more direct than the route through Mon tana and Alberta
 Seattle will not lose it's position as the port for Alaska business as result of the establish npent of the Montana-Alberta air route. But it would be more convenient and profitable for both  ger. express and mail air service is developed from Puget Sound.
 When the general public realizes the. impor- tance of keeping open all lines of communiea- ton with the North, such a service win be tabIshed
 While it is gratifying to see Seattle mindful of Al aska business well it's and throwing its weight back of development of Territorial air line develop
 has much to fear from an interior the Territor. across Canada Such line lines ultimately will be es tabshed as air lines span globe It is inevitable will aviation headed present But the more i'm mediate problem of Alaska and continental United States is development Of airnes and arports in ths Territory and connections with the most feasible pou in the United States That most feasible point map will reveal is Seattle the Puget Sound country In this connection it is interesting to note that Al aska Delegate Anthony J. Dimond, Senator Lewis B. schwellenbach of Washington and Dr. Ernest Gruen inc of the Division of Territories Island Possessions recently called at the White House ask the President to approve slO0Oo0oO air development for the Terri tory and that following the interview. Delegate Dimond expressed himself encouraged"
 At the same time here in Alaska the newly created Alaska Aeronautics and Communication Commission i. in session with representatives of the Federal ageees working along the same lines development of aerial transportation in the north and to the States.
 The last Legislature, winch created the Commission was mindful of the need of the Territory for aireie building and improvement and aside funds for the construction of three airports in addition to general appropriation of s4oooOo for arfeids road. and bridges. It isn't much toward an extensive aeria development program but is all the Territory could afford now and it reveals the attitude of Alaska toward the program
 With such cooperation between the Territory and the Federal Government the outlook for air develop ent program in the north connection with the Uni ted States is encouraging and if Seattle xin continue te
 fcontinued to last calaSsru on this pags-l