RIVAL CLAIMS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1929, Page 5

RIVAL CLAIMS

TO ANTARCTIC LAND

(United Press Association—By Electrio

Telegraph—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, November 28

The question of the ownership off the Antarctic lands was raised by the British Government after Commander Byrd started his expedition, and it was temporarily side-stepped by the American Government.

On November 17th of last year, the British Government, in a polite hut firm note to the United States, said : “ His Majesty's Governments in the various countries of the Empire have watched with especial interest the progress of the expedition, on account pf the interest which they themselves take in the regions where it is understood Commander Byrd would conduct the bulk of his lesenroh.” The note recalled that the entire question was discussed at the last Imperial Conference, and a copy of the proceedings was transmitted to the State Department here. The Undersecretary for State, Mr Gotten, last November 15 acknowledged the note, through the British Embassy, expressing regrets that the acnowledgement had so long been delayed, and also appreciation of the “interest” of the British in the Byrd Expedition. The immediate consideration <jff the ownership of the lands in the Antarctic in which jConnnander Byrd is exploring, was averted by the Department.

The New York “ Times’s ” Washington correspondent says: After a year’s consideration, the United States Government lias responded to the British note, of the 17th of November, 1928, referring to the question of sovereignty in the Antarctic region (as cabled on April otli), which had been raised in connection with Commander Byrd’s South Polar expedition. A note that was sent by the United States to Britain, dated November loth, is still withheld from publication, but it is reported that the United States does not agree to the British suggestion that Britain has a prior claim to large portions of the Antarctic, and that the United States leaves the issue open to further discussion. New important angles to the British claims have developed by Commander Byrd’s discoveries of mineral deposits, and possibly petroleum, in the so-called Rockefeller Range and in Marie Byrd Land. While the possibilities of exploiting the territory through aviation may become celebrated, a case off even; greater importance is the whaling industry in that region. This adds further importance, and it is to be noted that there are possibilities of actufil commercial development. The minerals are of minor importance, if minerals are really present in the region. The American note expressed regrets for the delay in replying to the British offer of assistance to Commander Byrd while he was within the territory to which Britain has laid claim. It is suggested that the United States reticence in giving a direct answer was due to the desire to avoid the possibilities of any controversy before the .Arms Conference.', Although the 'State Department has been studying the question with a view, to submitting .tiie reasons for the, belief that the United States has. claims to certain discussed areas, it is pointed out that the United States Government has advanced no formal claims, and has markedly ltfft, the question open for later consideration. It is believed .that Prime Minister MacPonald • and President. Hoover considered .this subject during their recent meeting, and that at the time they decided to delay any further discussions until the Arms question is settled more definitely.