800.014 Antarctic/7–1948: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
495. Green cordially received here.1 In several sessions with Escudero he had given background and explanation of US thinking on internationalization of Antarctic. Escudero’s exposition of the Chilean viewpoint has stressed heavily special quality American quadrant as part of Western Hemisphere, citing Hemisphere defense zone and Panam resolution on European colonies among other things. On trusteeship he doubts applicability of charter provisions to Antarctic case. Feels Chile would have unique and unbeatable case before International Court and that we may overrate difficulties that method solution. However, Chile not committed itself as to court. Other Chilean officials have stressed desire avoid repetition last season’s incidents and also apprehension of Argentina position vis-à-vis Chile.
Green noted US could not favor Chile and Argentina against UK or vice versa but sought solution which fully safeguards Western Hemisphere interests and is acceptable to all interested nations. Green has expressed hope their review of practicable alternatives will lead them to conclusion similar to ours. In final conversation Escudero presented for consideration draft for joint declaration by interested nations which would freeze present legal rights and interests for period five or ten years (actions in Antarctica by declaring countries during that period to have no legal effect on their rights) and eliminate levying of whaling fees by UK.
- Regarding Caspar D. Green’s mission to Santiago, see the editorial note, supra.↩