vicinity of Sula Ansi connecting the Gobi Desert to the East and the
Taklamakan Desert in the West is perhaps the most difficult part of
the route to cover. This route is reported to have been used by a
Soviet airline and landing fields are known to exist along it.
ROUTE C
Proposed Route C can be developed from Alaska through
Northeast Siberia to China. Certain landing areas in this region are
known to exist but the extent of their development is uncertain. Markova
is within flying distance of Alaskan bases, a distance of about 720
miles. From Markova it is believed possible to develop an airline to
Irkutsk, a distance of about 2500 miles along the general route of
Oimekon (or Verkhne, Kolymsk) Yadmtsk and Bodaibo where the terrain
is suitable for development of landing areas.
From Irkutsk supplies may be carried by truck or air to
Lanchow, a distance of about 1300 miles, and from Lanchow to Chungking
by truck or air to Chungking, a distance of about 500 miles.
The weather in Eastern Siberia is generally favorable for
flying, except for storms with considerable precipitation in April and
May, and in September and October. The winters are marked by extreme
cold with prevailing dryness. The snowfall is light, seldom being suf-
ficient to cover the ground. Fogs are reported to be prevalent along
the coast, but inland the weather is suitable for flying. It is believed
practicable to continue operations even in mid-winter.
Gasoline and supplies present a problem of major importance.
Railroads and other transportation are almost entirely lacking, which will
necessitate the development of air or water transportation. It has been
reported that the Lena and Kolyma Rivers, emptying into the Arctic Ocean
are navigable for considerable distances inland, but only for a limited
period in the summer
months.
The difficulties of developing proposed Route C are relatively
great, but its strategical value to the United States, when established
makes this development a matter for serious consideration.
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