319. Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom) to the Secretary of State1
Washington, December 31,
1956.
SUBJECT
- Progress Report on NSC 5424/1 Antarctica
The Progress Report covers the period January 12 through August 8, 1956, summarizing principal developments in the Antarctic and finds our policy adequate for the period under review.
There have been certain subsequent developments which should be kept in mind in connection with any present discussion of the subject:
- (1)
- …
- (2)
- India withdrew the item on Antarctica which was referred to in paragraph 8. It was explained that this was done in order to have time to prepare the item better and to persuade other governments of its importance. It may, therefore, be expected to reintroduce the proposal at a later date.
- (3)
- Argentina, Chile, and the UK on November 21, 1956, renewed their annual agreement not to send warships into the Antarctic except for customary movements. This is expected to forestall any special friction arising out of the conflicting claims of the three countries.
Recommendation:
That you agree to the paper as drafted.2 You may wish to mention the subsequent developments cited above, especially (1) and (2).
- Source: Department of State, S/S–NSC Files: Lot 63 D 351, NSC 5424 Series, Memoranda. Secret. Drafted by Robert E. Wilson who became Officer in Charge of Antarctic Affairs in the Bureau of Inter-American Affairs on December 19. Cleared by EUR, FE,IO/UNP, and L.↩
- The source text contains no indication of the Secretary’s action.↩