Digest of Alaska news, Vol. 1, No. 39, October 6, 1943

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DIGEST OF ALASKA. NEWS
OCT 20 1943
October G, 1943
Vol. 1 Ho. 39
(This summary of current developments is compiled for the information of Pan American Airways Alaska Division executives and is not for republication. Items from a-vailable press sources are so indicated. The complete item, in each case, is retained in the Division Manager's office and may be examined by those interested.)
Alaska Aeronautics Commission Issues Report ---- The Alaskan Aircraft Operations re-
port for the year ending June 30, 1943 shows a decrease in most phases of opera— tions, due to traveling restrictions, reduction of mining operations and military operations. There was a decrease of 48% in pounds of freight carried by air in Alaska as compared with an increase of express and freight to Alaska of 34% and from Alaska of 468%. Mail to Alaska increased 27% 'and from Alaska over 50%. Passenger traffic decreased 21% raid passenger miles 15%.
The statistical''summary' shows that Alaskan aircraft made'13,788 trips during the year,'covering 3,700,903 miles, on which they carried 45,801 passengers,
2,427,107 pounds" of freight and 1,548,902 pounds of mail. (Jessen's Weekly, September 3, 1943.)
Telephone'Line Completed -— Tho 2,050-mile telephone line from Edmonton to Fair-“banks, said to be the longest open-wire telephone lino in the world, has now been completed, and the first conversation from Washington, D. C. to Ladd Field authorities is expected to take place shortly. Tho line was scheduled to go into operation this month. (Jesson's Weekly, October 1, 1943.)
Matanuska, Our Only Preparation In Alaska ---- "Few of the desperate projects in-
augurated during the mad 130*s seemed more futile than tho establishment of the farm colony in the Matanuska Valley in Alaska. That was back in the days when we talked much about developing Alaska, and did very little about it except send a delegation up there every year to disseminate good-will and enjoy the scenery.
"How all that has changedl The Japs taught us how important Alaska is. Alaska began to bristle with soldiers, engineers and sailors. And Matanuska produced a million dollar crop. Matanuska was the one preparation we made in that territory for the events we refused to see were coming." (Editorial, Seattle P.I., September 13, 1943.)
Canada Oil For Alaska Military Heeds ---- Hew drilling and exploration of oil in the
Canadian northwest territories is under way to expand northern petroleum production for military operations in Alaska, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey announced. Standard Oil's affiliate, Imperial Oil Co., Ltd., already has increased production of the only oil being recovered in the Arctic, Standard said.
Official announcement of tho project touched off some verbal fireworks, Delegate Anthony Dimond of Alaska contending it would have been better to develop the oil resources of Alaska. (Cordova Daily Times, September 15, 1943.)