IN ANTARCTICA

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1929, Page 5

IN ANTARCTICA

QUESTION OF SOVEREIGNTY. (United Press Association, —fly Electric 1 Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this dnv nf :). a.m.) LONDON, April f>. There is some mystification in official circles in London at the sudden American discovery of diplomatic exchanges over the Antarctic. It is hardly correct to say Britain suit a note asserting sovereignty over the territory. The only thing that can be recalled is when in 1027 it. was announced Byrd was making the expedition, Britain sent a courtesy communication, offering Byrd every facility for travel in British territory. America now regards this as an intimation of sovereignty, and coupied with this is the 1926 Imperial Conference’s declaration that Ross Sea and Falklands are Imperial concerns. Howover, Downing Street will say nothing until the suggested American note arrives. U.S. CONTESTING CLAIMS. (Received this day at 10 a.in.) WASHINGTON, April 5. It is learned from authoritative i sources that the State Department has prepared a note, which it will soon r forward to the British Government, contesting certain British claims in Antarctica. It was drafted soon after the Department received a note from Britain, to the effect that Britain would be glad t*> lmve Byrd land on British territory if be wished to d<u so. The Department took the note to imply British Sovereignty over virtually all the Antarctic region, and wished to point out that the United States considered much of the land claimed by the British was originally discovered in the name of the United States, and that Byrd, by means of his aeroplanes and other equipment, which earlier explorers did not have, is discovering and will probably continue to discover j hitherto unknown areas. I Although the Note does not mention the Monroo Doctrine, it is understood the Department contemplated taking .up the position that the Doctrine is applicable to parts of Antarctica in tbe Western Hemisphere. United States is expected to file a counter-claim to the entire Wilkes 1 and, on the grounds of Wilkes leading tbe expedition authorised by Congress when be discovered the territory in 1840, and due to the fact, it is stated, that the extent of this territory was never determined. United States feels it could claim an indefinite part of Antarctica. It is also understood United States contemplates filing n icounter-claim for Falkland island Dependencies, including Graham uand, which United States Government contends was first discovered by ('apt. Palmer of United State's in 1820. It is contendrd here that with the exception of Ross’ discovery of Ross Sea. British exphrafion of Antarctica ..... not begin until the twentieth century. \J According to officials, British claims * which United States will contest, are set forth in the British Imperial Conference’s Proclamation ol 1926.