Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-05-04

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can now be observed In many
parts OF the world because Of
the co-ordinated efforts Of SCI
entists Of many countries IN
seeking a better understanding
OF geophysical phenomena dur
ms the current international
Geophysical Year. These CO.
ordinated efforts OF the seieu-
fists Of many lands have as
their objective a greatly In
creased knowledge OF the planet
on which we live and win no
doubt contribute directly and
indirectly % the welfare Of the
human race for many genera
tons 20 come. 1870
Among the various portions
Of the globe. where these CO.
operative scientific endeavors
are being carried on with singu-
lar success and with a sincere
consciousness of the high ideals
Of mankind 10 which they are
dedicated Is the vast nd rela-
lively remote continent Of Ant
arctica. The scientific research
being conducted In that c0n-
tinent by the cooperative ef-
forts OF DISTINGUISHED, scientists
from many COUNTLESS Is pro-
ducing information OF practical
ss well as theoretical value for
all mankind. ~ }
The International GeophysI-
cal Year comes 10 a close at
the end of 1858. THE need for
co-ordinated scientific research
In Antarctica. however. WIN
continue for many more wears
into the future. Accordingly.
II would appear desirable for
those countries participating in
the Antarctic program Of the
International Geophysical Year
10 reach agreement among
themselves on a program to
assure the continuation Of the
fruitful scientific cooperation
referred to above.
Additional Advantage
Such an arrangement could
have the additional advantage
Of preventing unnecessary and
undesirable political rivalries
In that continent, the uneco-
nomic expenditure Of funds to
defend individual national in
terests, and the recurrent pos
sibility of international misun-
Outstanding. 1t would appear
that If harmonious agreement
can be reached among the
countries directly concerned in
regard to friendly cooperation
In Antarctica. there would be
advantages not only to those
countries but to all other coun-
tries as well.
The present situation in
Antarctica is characterized by
diverse legal. political and ad-
ministrative concepts which
render friendly cooperation
difficult in the absence of an
understanding among the
countries involved. Seven
countries have asserted claims
of sovereignty to portions OF
Antarctica. some Of which
overlap and give rise to occa-
sional frictions. Other countries
have a direct interest in that
continent based on past dis
covery and exploration. geo.
graphic proximity. sea and air
transportation routes. and
other considerations.
The United States for many
years has had. and at the pres
ent time continues to have. di-
rect and substantial rights
and interests in Antarctica
Throughout a period of many
years, commencing in the early
eighteen hundreds, many areas
of the Antarctic region have
been discovered, sighted. ex-
plored and claimed on behalf
of the United States by nation
ais Of the United States and
by expeditions carrying the flag
of the United States. During
this period. the Government Of
the United States and its ma
tionals have engaged in we'll
known and extensive activities
In Antarctica.
All Rights Reserved
In view of the activities of
the United States and its ma
tionals referred to above. my
Government reserves all Of the
rights Of the United States with
respect to the Antarctic region,
including the right to assert a
territorial claim or claims.
1t is the opinion of my Gov
eminent. however. that the in
terests of mankind would best
be served. in consonance with
the high ideals Of the Charter
of the United Nations. If the
countries which have q direct
interest in Antarctica were to
Join together in the conclusion
of a treaty which would have
the following peaceful pur-
poses:
A. Freedom of scientific in
vestigation throughout Ant
arctica by citizens, organiza:
tions, and governments of all
countries: and a continuation
of the international scientific
cooperation which is being
carried out so successfully dur
ing the current International
Geophysical Year.
B. international agreement
to ensure that Antarctica be
used for peaceful purposes only.
c. Any other peaceful pur-
poses not inconsistent with the
Charter of the United Nations.
The Government of the
United States is prepared to
discuss Jointly with the govern
rnents of the other countries