336. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the South African Ambassador (du Plessis) and Paul C. Daniels of the Bureau of Inter-American Affairs1
SUBJECT
- Proposed Participation of Union of South Africa in Four-Power Talks on Antarctica
The South African Ambassador came to my office at 3:00 p.m. today, by appointment made yesterday. He handed me an Aide-Mémoire classified “Secret” dated October 3, 1957,2 the last paragraph of which reads as follows:
“The Union Government understands that discussions about Antarctica between representatives of the United States and certain Commonwealth Governments are expected to take place in the near future. To the extent that these discussions may have a bearing on any regime for the future control and administration of Antarctica, the Union Government, in view of its real interest in the area, would appreciate it most highly if they could be invited to participate.”
The Ambassador referred to recent talks in London between certain Commonwealth countries in which the subject of Antarctica was discussed. He said he understood that certain further talks were to be held in Washington on the same subject, and that as indicated in the Aide-Mémoire his Government was desirous of participating in such discussions.
I said that of course the United States Government appreciated the interest of the Union of South Africa in this matter, and as indicated last year it welcomed the opportunity to exchange information and views in regard to the Antarctic.
With reference to talks in Washington, to which the Ambassador referred, I stated that the initiative for such informal discussions had emanated from London, and that since the United States was not the initiator I could not very well presume to extend an invitation to any other Government to participate. Furthermore, I said I did not see how I could very well make an adequate reply to the South African proposal without prior consultation with the representatives of the other interested Governments. I said that I would gladly consult them as soon as possible, and thereafter [Page 714] prepare an Aide-Mémoire in reply to the one which he just handed me.
I took advantage of the occasion to point out that quite aside from the substance of any views or ideas which might be advanced in the course of exploratory conversations, the mere fact that any such talks were being held was considered to be highly confidential. All concerned were desirous of avoiding even a semblance of any unusual political activity at this time in regard to Antarctica which might have the unfortunate effect of precipitating action by the Soviet Union. Furthermore, other claimant countries would probably be disturbed if it were felt that the question of Antarctica were being discussed by a group of countries without their own participation.
Ambassador du Plessis readily agreed with the validity of these observations, and conceded the delicacy with which the matter would be handled. He added a further thought, namely, that if the talks were to become too widely known, or their importance exaggerated it might provoke India into taking further initiative in the United Nations.
I reiterated my desire to stay in close touch with the Ambassador in regard to matters of mutual interest in regard to Antarctica and assured him again that I would consult with other representatives in regard to possible South African participation in the forthcoming talks.
We both agreed that an answer to the Aide-Mémoire might well be deferred until after such consultation.