August 16, 1940

   “It is absolutely a necessity now, that the International Highway from Continental United States, through Canada and the Yukon to Alaska, be constructed as a defense medium. This project is mandatory the way things are shaping up. If it isn’t built, it is perfectly apparent that Alaska will be out on the well-known limb.

   People don’t seem to realize we are witnessing the end of an epoch. Many are thinking in the days of 1896. What if British and French possessions are grabbed by the Nazis. New York and other newspapers are running column after column on the importance of Alaska in the national program for defense, and many of the articles have displayed a much keener grasp of the situation and the importance of such an International Highway, than Alaska editors and residents.

   The idea of being able to supply Alaskans with foodstuffs by plane, in case of invasion, is enough to make one shed crocodile tears from laughing. To transport ten tons by plane to Alaska would require six and one half tons of gas, etc., for round-trip. The airplane is the thing for defense, surely, but certainly not as a cargo carrier. Only an over land road will suffice. Only over such a highway could Alaskans, in the role of refugees (God forbid), would make their escape in some safety from invaders. The airlines and ocean routes would be effectively blocked.”

(The Alaska Miner – Fairbanks, Alaska)