N.Z. May Appoint Polar Base Inspector

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30294, 21 November 1963, Page 16

N.Z. May Appoint Polar Base Inspector

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, November 20. The appointment of an inspecting officer to examine the bases of other nations in the Antarctic for defence installations, including nuclear weapon sites, is likely to be considered by the New Zealand Government.

This was indicated today by official sources after comment had been sought on New Zealand intentions, after the receipt of a message reporting the appointment of nine inspecting officers by the United States. Under the Antarctic treaty, which has been signed by all nations now operating in Antarctica, each nation is entitled to inspect the installations of the others. The treaty expressly forbids the setting up of defence installations, and also the use of the Antarctic for atomic tests. It is expected that, if the Cabinet approves, an officer of the External Affairs Department will be sent to Anttarctica during the present season to safeguard New Zealand’s interests under the treaty. The Antarctic Treaty was signed at Washington on December 1, 1959, at the end of the conference on Antarctica which opened there on October 15. The signatory nations were

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sfluth Africa, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The New Zealand delegation was led by the then Prime Minister (Mr Nash). Mr G. D.' L. White, our Charge d’Affaires in Washington, signed for New Zealand.

The treaty, the basic aim of which is to secure the Antarctic for peaceful purposes only, has 14 articles. Article 111 provides for the interchange of scientific information.

Article V prohibits nuclear

explosions in the area and the disposal of nuclear waste. Under article VII, each contracting party has the right to designate observers to carry out inspections, each of whom has the complete right of access to all areas of Antarctica, including installations, stations,' ships and aircraft. This includes the right to aerial observation.

Although the treaty has been in force nearly four years, this is the first time that a signatory nation has appointed observers under its provisions. It is expected that other nations will follow the United States lead.' . [Earlier reference Page 23.1