Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

466. Memorandum From the Director of the Office of International Economic and Social Affairs, Bureau of International Organization Affairs (McKitterick) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (Gardner)¹

Washington, February 27, 1963.

SUBJECT

• Proposed Meeting with ACDA on Inspection in Antarctica

In proceeding with the proposed meeting with ACDA concerning inspection in Antarctica, you will no doubt wish to keep the following points in mind:

1. The inclusion of the inspection provision in the Antarctic Treaty played an important part in obtaining the necessary two-thirds vote in the Senate. At the time of the approval of the Antarctic Treaty by the Senate, the Department spokesman assured the Senate that we would proceed with the implementation of the inspection provision of the Antarctic Treaty. For Mr. Phleger’s statement see Tab D of the proposed memorandum to the Secretary.²

2. The only effective way to assure compliance with the Antarctic Treaty is through the implementation of the inspection provision of the Treaty.

3. The Department regional bureaus, G/PM and Legal have expressed agreement with the view that we should proceed promptly with inspection in the Antarctic, beginning with the next summer period.

4. According to informal consultations we have already had with other agencies concerned with United States activities in the Antarctic (including the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy), they agree that we should proceed promptly with inspection in the Antarctic, beginning with the next summer period.

5. The two Admirals in charge of United States Naval Support in the Antarctic are of the opinion that we should proceed promptly with inspection in the Antarctic, beginning with the next summer period. Mr. Simsarian has discussed this matter with Admiral Tyree who just retired after four years in the Antarctic; and Mr. Mills has discussed this matter with Admiral Reedy now in charge in the Antarctic.

6. We need an early decision to proceed with inspection in order to carry out an inspection program in November 1963. The Department of the Navy has already urged us to resolve this matter now in order that planning can proceed at this time with respect to the utilization of the few icebreakers available. In fact Admiral Tyree has pointed out that the Glacier should be used for this purpose, and there will be a number of demands on this ship.

7. Admiral Tyree and Admiral Reedy have both pointed out that inspection by planes is not feasible at this time, and that a ship would have to be used for the 1963–64 season. Landing facilities at foreign bases are not safe for use by American planes at this time, according to Admiral Tyree, who certainly is knowledgeable on this subject.

8. An immediate decision on this matter is also necessary to enable the National Science Foundation to proceed with arrangements it already has underway for the recruitment of scientists to be sent to the Antarctic during the 1963–64 season. This program will have to be meshed with logistics arrangements for the inspection program.

9. Since starting our own discussions relating to an inspection program in the Antarctic, the United Kingdom has proposed to the Department the desirability of proceeding immediately with the implementation of the inspection provisions of the Treaty. We have informed the United Kingdom that we are studying this matter and will provide a United States response as soon as possible.

10. All of the above points relate to the urgent need to reach an early decision to proceed promptly with a plan for inspection in Antarctica, beginning with the 1963–64 season. There of course is the separate question of whether we should proceed unilaterally or multilaterally. On this issue there is a difference of opinion that should be resolved. While IO and EUR favor the multilateral approach, Legal and ACDA are pressing for the unilateral approach.

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, IO Files: Lot 67 D 378, Antarctica. Confidential. Drafted by James Simsarian.
2. Document 468.