295. Memorandum From the Head of the U.S. Delegation to the Conference on Antarctica (Phleger) to the Secretary of State1
Committee I of the Conference on Antarctica met at 10:15 A.M. At the suggestion of the Argentine representative, discussion of the provision relating to scientific investigation in Antarctica was deferred until tomorrow in order to permit the Argentine delegation to distribute a proposal on this provision.
The provision on international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica was approved by the Committee substantially as set forth in Article II of the working paper draft, with modifications based on a New Zealand amendment to paragraph 3. The text as approved by the Committee is enclosed.2
Committee II met at 3 P.M. and considered the provision on peaceful use of Antarctica (Article I of the working paper draft). A Soviet proposal to add an enumeration of certain types of military activity that would be expressly prohibited was generally accepted, with some changes in wording. A Soviet proposal to restrict the proviso as to the use of military personnel and equipment to “scientific” rather than any “peaceful” purposes was in effect withdrawn by the Soviet delegation as a result of the discussion.
[Page 583]In private conversation the French representative stated that his government’s refusal to accept the stipulation as to non-recognition of claims (Paragraph 1(c) of working paper draft Article IV) could only be withdrawn if the matter were taken up with the French Government at a high level.
For the U.S. Representative:
Secretary