Letter, 6.7.1925, from Arnljot Austlid
Object reference: RA 318B1
Type: Letter
Sender / Author: Arnljot Austlid
Recipient: Roald Amundsen
Date: 6.7.1925
Language: Norwegian

Translation
Tak. Henv R.L.
Erl. Skjalgs gt. 26
6. July 1925
Mr Roald Amundsen,
Oslo.
I have constructed an automatic bearing device that I think will interest you. The device works completely independently and shows where it is on our globe at all times.
With such a device on board a Zeppelin, without a compass, and even if the Zeppelin never drifts that much with the weather and wind, or goes in curves, one will always know exactly how many degrees of longitude and latitude one is at.
The invention sounds somewhat incredible, but is, however, no more complicated than I can make the principle understandable by oral conference and demonstration.
As the invention is of great international interest, it will be difficult to bring it forward without it being stolen. As far as I can understand, it must be patented in all countries at the same time. If Dr. Eckener is to be trusted, it would interest me to get him or his company to finance it. I believe that the device will be of great importance for aviation, especially over the Arctic regions.
I am contacting you because I assume that you will be interested in having the invention presented so that you can use the device on your next polar expedition.
Respectfully
Arnljot Austlid
[Handwritten by Amundsen] Wastepaper basket?