other reasons actual settlement would be an impossibility, as in the case of the 
Polar regions, such conduct on his part would afford frail support for a reason- 
able claim of sovereignty. I am therefore compelled to state, without now 
adverting to other considerations, that this Government cannot admit that such 
taking of possession as a discoverer by Mr. Amundsen of areas explored by him 
could establish the basis of rights of sovereignty in the Polar regions, to which, 
it is understood, he is about to depart. 
Accept (etc.) 
CHARLES E. HUGHES 
