279. Preliminary Notes on the Operations Coordinating Board Meeting, Washington, December 10, 19581
[Here follows discussion of items 1–3: the Soviet test series, Africa, and the Soviet economy.]
4. Special Briefing on Antarctica
Ambassador Paul C. Daniels, Dr. James Joyce, Head of the Office for the International Geophysical Year of the National Science Foundation, and Dr. Harry Wexler, Director of the Office of Meteorological Research of the Department of Commerce, were present at the OCB meeting for the special CIA briefing on Soviet operations and plans in Antarctica.
The CIA in its presentation cited the increasing tempo of Soviet operations in Antarctica and the surrounding seas. The increase in Soviet activities comes at a time when other countries are curtailing their Antarctic operations. The briefing officer said the Soviet Union planned to establish three new stations within two years. In addition, the Soviet Union was turning over to the Polish Government a station at Bunger Oasis thus politically reinforcing the Soviet position. Other expected manifestations of Soviet interest in Antarctica included the use of a submarine equipped with scientific apparatus, of a nuclear-powered icebreaker, the sending out of a second Soviet whaling fleet to operate in Antarctic waters, and the announced intention to utilize nuclear power in Antarctica. In addition, the Soviets say they will launch earth satellites from both the North and South Poles. The CIA speaker believed all these activities with the probable exception of the polar launchings are within Soviet capabilities.
The possible implications and consequences of Soviet Antarctic activities were cited and note was made of the anxiety created among the nations of the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Argentina, Australia and Chile. For the present, the USSR appeared to have three major objectives: 1) set up a large network of bases which would serve to bolster anticipated Soviet claims; 2) increase Soviet scientific capabilities and knowledge; and 3) displace the U.S. as the leading power in the Antarctic region.
At the conclusion of the briefing, the Acting Chairman, Mr. Harr, asked if in view of the expanded Soviet activities, the Soviet Union could be expected to desire a successful Antarctica Conference which would in effect circumscribe Soviet aims. Ambassador Daniels said the [Page 515] Soviet intention was a matter of doubt but he pointed out that the USSR representative had expressed readiness to attend the Conference.
[Here follows discussion of item 5, Yugoslavia, and item 6, Italy.]
- Source: Department of State, OCB Files: Lot 62 D 430. Secret. No drafting information appears on the source text.↩