Letter from Alfred J. T. Taylor to Vilhjalmur Stefansson, 16 June 1921

^ Stef. Arctic Ex ^

^ Wire June 22 ^

June 16th, 1921.

V. Stefansson, Esq., Ellison-White Sevens Chautauqua Circuit, Blackfoot, IDAHO.

Dear Stefansson,

I am advised to-day by our lawyer, Major Wilson, that it is absolutely essential that any vessel operating or proposing to operate in British or Canadian waters, and to be owned by a Canadian company, must be of British Registry, and this is particularly important in the case of the Motor Schooner “Orian", to be operated by the Stefansson Arctic Exploration & Development Company. It is not possible for the new company to charter an American vessel and operate it in British or Canadian waters.

I have wired to you accordingly, as per confirmation attached, and am informed that the proper method of procedure is to get the "Orian" transferred from her present registry to British registry, which necessitates that the boat be sold either to you or myself ^or to some Canadian subject^, at a fair valuation, which Mr. Lindeberg tells me will be the original cost of the boat, about $4,000., less depreciation, say a price of $3,000. or whatever Mr. Lindeberg agrees upon.

Immediately a Bill of Sale is executed of this vessel, I can apply for you or on behalf of the purchaser to have the vessel transferred to Canadian registry, and this will require payment of 25% duty on the valuation of the boat.

As soon as the boat is transferred, then the purchaser, either yourself or myself, or anyone else you may nominate, can transfer the vessel to the Stefansson Arctic Exploration & Development Company for any consideration the company may decide to give. I understand from Mr. Lindeberg that this is to be seventy shares in the new company.

V. Stefansson, Esq.

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June 16th, 1921.

Now, I have had experience before as to the length of time it takes to get through the necessary red tape in transferring the registry of a vessel, and knowing the urgency of the present business, I would impress upon you the necessity of getting the matter put in train as quickly as possible, and to facilitate the business, I am sending a copy of this letter and the telegram to Mr. Lindeberg, with a covering note, and I will act promptly on instructions received from either of you.

The Bill of Sale of the vessel can be prepared in San Francisco between Mr. Lindeberg and yourself, and forwarded to me in Vancouver, together with copies of the vessel's present registry certificate, and I can take care of the rest of the business here. I shall have to be provided, however, with the necessary funds to pay the duty.

Meanwhile, the work of incorporating the company is being proceeded with in all haste, and I shall await your instructions in regard to the boat, and act upon them promptly.

With kind regards, I remain,

Yours sincerely,

A.J. Taylor

AJTT : W