The Editor,

Journal of Glaciology

Sir,

Reference HudsonR.D. Hudson's letter to the editor (1983) concerning the direction of glacial flow across Hans Island, Kennedy Channel, is accompanied by a footnote on the discovery and national status of Hans Island. It is stated that “according to legal authority in Ottawa ‘Canada exercises sovereignty over Hans Island and it is part of Canadian territory’. It is so shown on Canadian maps and charts”.

It is not in dispute that this statement reflects the view of Canadian authorities. However, according to the view of the Danish Government, Hans Ø constitutes part of the national territory of Denmark and as such is within the jurisdiction of the government of Denmark and subject to Danish law. Hans Ø is shown as part of Denmark on Danish maps and charts.

The conflicting views of the Governments of Denmark and Canada reflect the present state of affairs that the question of sovereignty over Hans Ø is still unresolved.

There exists a common understanding between Denmark and Canada to the effect that since the question of sovereignty over the island has not yet been solved no action should be taken by either side which might prejudge the settlement of the issue.