800.014 Antarctic/11–2448: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
4491. Department’s 4402, November 22; repeated Buenos Aires 9881 re UK-Argentine-Chilean dispute over Antarctic claims.
Shuckburgh Foreign Office explained to us today that during course Bevin–Bramuglia conversation November 8, Bevin said it would be desirable for both countries avoid naval displays in waters south of 60 degrees south latitude. It was agreed (1) Chile would have to be included in any such understanding, and (2) Argentina rather than UK would approach Chile. Peron immediately approved proposed informal agreement in principle and Foreign Office handed to Argentine Ambassador on November 12 draft of undertaking it was prepared give to Argentina if reciprocated. Foreign Office handed copy this [Page 1014] draft to Chilean Chargé November 15 with respect Chile on same basis. Text follows:
[Here follows the draft text of a declaration regarding the intention of the United Kingdom (and Chile and Argentina) not to send warships south of Latitude 60° during the 1948–49 Antarctic season. For the full text of the agreed U.K.-Chilean-Argentine declaration, exchanged and issued to the press on January 18, 1949, see Parliamentary Debates, House of Lords, 5th series, vol. 160, col. 419.]
Shuckburgh said that both before and after this text was handed to Argentines and Chileans, Chileans maintained that Bevin also offered to Bramuglia standstill agreement on establishment new Antarctic posts. This is completely untrue, Shuckburgh asserted. Chileans have told Foreign Office that Argentines told them that was the case. On Foreign Office inquiry, Argentines denied they understood proposed agreement to cover new posts in addition naval displays; in other words, according Shuckburgh, Argentines agree with Foreign Office version Bevin-Bramuglia talk. Shuckburgh said all this indicates (1) that Argentines misinformed Chileans who are acting in good faith, (2) that Chileans invented idea that standstill proposal was made in Bevin-Bramuglia talk as means of having it included in three-power understanding. Shuckburgh inclined favor second theory. Shuckburgh said Chileans very anxious for agreement this point, but UK completely unwilling accept it as it might appear to represent recognition of legality of Argentine and Chilean Antarctic posts. Chile still disputing with UK this point re scope of Bevin–Bramuglia discussions.
Foreign Office would prefer no public declaration but does not feel strongly about this.
Shuckburgh expressed regret US should have learned of proposed three-power understanding from Chileans rather than from UK, and, explained that US had not been included since it was inconceivable to Foreign Office that US might send warships into Antarctic waters as display of force. Foreign Office considered inclusion of US in proposed agreement unnecessary.
Shuckburg added that British Embassy Washington only now in possession of all facts since Foreign Office “stupidly” sent copies of various documents to it for information by pouch instead of by cable. British Embassy now fully informed and able discuss matter with Department if desired.
He mentioned Australia and New Zealand have agreed to UK’s acceptance of US proposal for 8–power Antarctic administration. British Embassy will soon be instructed ascertain whether Department now luke warm to its own proposals; he said Department does not seem to be pressing idea now and he wondered whether this foreshadowed abandonment of proposed scheme by US.
[Page 1015]Sent Department 4991, repeated Buenos Aires 16, Santiago unnumbered.
- Not printed; it asked for information regarding the conversations in London between British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin and Argentine Foreign Minister Bramuglia on Antarctica. The Department of State had been informed by the Chilean Embassy in Washington that Bevin had proposed to Bramuglia that Britain and Argentina refrain from establishing new bases and sending naval patrols into the disputed Antarctic area during the coming Antarctic season. Bramuglia agreed subject to Chilean participation, but Chile in turn had suggested inclusion of the United States (800.014 Antarctic/11–2248).↩