800.014 Antarctic/12–946: Airgram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Messersmith) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 16—8; 58 a.m.]
A–1164. In press conference Friday Foreign Minister9 made various declarations with reference to Argentine rights in Antarctic of which following is résumé from La Prensa.10
[Page 1496]He said discovery and explorations of last decade in Antarctic continent have shown advantages which legitimate possession would give those states which advance claims over that region. He stated Argentina has given special attention since beginning of century to all questions dealing with Antarctic. He mentioned the uninterrupted occupation of Orkneys since that time, claims arising from geographical vicinity, legitimate aspirations over “sector” which might be called Argentine, and in addition he referred to numerous governmental acts and diplomatic documents by which sovereignty has been continuously and peacefully strengthened. He stated then that expedition which will leave within next few days for purpose of scientific studies constitutes a new proof of the interest with which Argentine Navy is attempting to amplify knowledge with reference Antarctic. Other countries, among them Chile and United States, have announced similar expeditions and it is expected that an interchange of Navy officials will be conducted with Chile, as when the Argentine transport “Primero de Mayo” made its Antarctic trip in 1943. He stated that “our aspirations as those of Chile are that there may be a friendly delimitation of the jurisdictions of both countries in the Antarctic.”11
Finally, Minister said Foreign Office has firmly maintained Argentine rights, based on unquestionable claims. It has conducted an open-door policy which does not exclude just claims which other American states have advanced in the Antarctic and it has cooperated by means of its meteorological stations with ships of all flags which periodically ply the southern waters. Such facts, which certainly do not weaken the Argentine thesis, indicate Government’s attitude with reference to the strengthening of its sovereignty over those Antarctic territories which form part of the National patrimony. The friendly relations which unite Argentina with those nations (which have also advanced claims to Antarctic) will make possible a proper contact for the purpose of arriving at a solution satisfactory to all, through an examination of the claims of each one, whether it be by means of direct negotiations or in an International Antarctic Conference.