18 AUGUST 1923, Page 14

WRANGELL ISLAND.

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] have been greatly interested in Dr. Stefansson's narrative of the exploration and occupation of Wrangell Island. He seems to establish his point that the British claim to the island is the best claim, provided it is true that in the case of an island which is normally uninhabited the lapse of five years without fresh exploration or occupation invalidates any previous claim. Dr. Stefansson says that a period of five years is usually held to be the right interpretation of international law on the subject. I cannot, however, find anything in international law which would bear this interpretation. Perhaps he or some international lawyer could say where the relevant passages occur.—I am, Sir, &c., C. G.