Why is the report’s mention of Tanis important?

According to legend, what is the explanation given for the sandstorm that wiped out Tanis?



In spite of the fact that Jones does not believe at this time that the Ark is supernatural, why is the disappearance of Tanis an important point?



Why is the US government willing to fund the expedition to find the Ark of the Covenant? After all, the year is 1936 and World War II has not yet begun