328. Memorandum From the Executive Officer of the Operations Coordinating Board (Smith) to the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Lay)1
SUBJECT
- Appraisal of U.S. Policy on Antarctica (NSC 5905/1, dated April 7, 1959)
At their meeting on November 2, 1960, the Board noted that the agencies represented on the OCB Working Group had reappraised the subject policy and concurred in the judgment that on the basis of operating experience to date, a review of the policy at this time by the National Security Council is not required because of any problem related to U.S. scientific programs and current operations in Antarctica.
[Page 640]The Board also noted that the NSC Planning Board had agreed to review the policy at an appropriate time in relation to ratification of the Antarctic Treaty. The Board further noted the suggestion that when the policy is reviewed, consideration be given to making the policy objectives, particularly paragraph 18–b, c and e, more specific to reflect the provisions of the Treaty, which provisions are interpreted by the U.S. as requiring that nothing in an agreement on Antarctica shall be construed as creating obligations on the part of the contracting parties other than to the contracting parties and to such other states as are members of the United Nations or of its Specialized Agencies and respect the principles embodied in such agreement.
This information is forwarded to you for possible use by the Planning Board.