Evening star., 1947-01-26
New Pole Trek
Backedby US.
State Department Gives
Rome Explorers
Go.Ahead
Bv Stefan Andrews

The State Department indicated
yesterday that it was giving its
blessing and protection to the
Rome Antarctic Expedition, the
second American group to head
for the South Pole in less than
two months.
The expedition, headed by Comdr.
Finn Rome, U. S. N. r., was sched-
uled to leave for the Marguerite
Bay section of the Antarctic from
Beaumont, Tex, this week end for
an 18-month study of unexplored
polar regions.
Although the expedition is pri-
vately sponsored, Undersecretary OF
State Dean Acheson announced In
letter that the department was
approving it in the expectation that
the mission will be a real value
and asserted that Rome, as matE
ter of course, will be entitled to
receive all appropriate aid and pro-
lection from the Department of
State"
The Endorsement was regarded as
particularly significant since Rome
is planning to set UP base in an
area already occupied by British
party. The department heretofore
has steered clear of coming into
conflict with the British in the
Antarctic.
In an exchange of letters with
Representative Combs, Democrat, OF
Texas, Mr.. Acheson said the depart
ment already had made inquiry OF
the British government regarding
the property and supplies left at the
Marguerite Bay site by the United
States Antarctic Service Expedition,
headed by Admiral Byrd in 194l.
British on Site Two Years.
The British, at the Byrd site the
last two years, repeatedly had been
using some of the Byrd equipment.
Later, in an apparent move to dis
courage further American expedi-
tions to the area, the British party
requested that the remaining
American property be removed to
the United States.
Representative Combs had written
to Acheson asking the support OF
the Government in the Rome un-
dertaking. He pointed out that by
act of Congress. Comdr. Rome was
authorized to use Navy vessel Tor
the expedition and deserved the
backing of the State Department
since he was serving "the interests
of this country"
Mr.. Acheson, without referring to
the British request, agreed that de-
partment aid and protection will be
extended to Comdr. Rome "as an
American citizen engaged in a law
full venture in the interest OF his
countrymen.
"Comdr Ronne's project is, I am
sure" he said, "a most laudable one
and the department shares whole
heartedly your expectation that his
expedition will be of real value In
promoting scientific knowledge OF
the Antarctic and of the largely un-
known conditions existing on that
continent" :.
Admitting that Several countries
had made advanced claims to Mar
guerite Bay, Mr.. Acheson told Rep
resentative Combs that the United
States had not recognized any Oh
these claims and was still reserving
Its rights in that area.
Twenty-one Scientists Going.
Since the expedition is under
the able guidance of so experienced
leader as Conndr. Finn Rome, IL
is not anticipated that~any insur-
mountable difficulties for the expe-
dition will arise" MIR. Acheson SAID
Should the occasion arise. how
ever" he added, significantly, tine
Department of State as well as an
the other interested branches OF the
Government will be happy to assist
him"
Twenty -one scientists, including
geologiS5s, mineralogists and me-
teorologists, will accompany Comor'
Rome on the 10,000-mile trek TO
the Marguerite Bay Peninsula.
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