Antarctic Research

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32234, 28 February 1970, Page 10

Antarctic Research

For the first time in almost a decade United States scientific activities in the Antarctic are under review at the highest political level. There is some reason to believe that the programme will not be curtailed for want of finance. Unlike those of other areas where defence expenditure abroad has been cut, the Antarctic programme involves American forces in a support role for civilian research which has little military significance. The cost—about $7 million a year—is tiny compared with the military budget. Apart from the loss in revenue to New Zealand, and Christchurch in particular as the operation’s base, any reduction in . the American programme would mean a corresponding reduction in New Zealand's Antarctic activities. Full air and sea support for expeditions would be beyond this country’s resources. The not inconsiderable New Zealand scientific programme carried on in recent years has depended on a happy arrangement with the United States for supporting services.

A review of the scientific programme by the United States is timely. Originally, research in the Antarctic was planned for the International Geophysical Year in the late 19505. Only when* it was found that much research could not be completed in 12 months was the programme extended. ‘Since then, research has generated its own needs. As scientists have learned more, new questions have posed themselves. The discovery last November of a fossilised remnant of a small ancestor of the hippopotamus served as a reminder of the major discoveries which may still be made in the Antarctic. The Americans are aware of the prestige value of their work. No major reduction would seem likely at a time when the Russians have expanded their programme to maintain six Antarctic stations—as many as the United States—and while there is growing French and Japanese activity on the continent.

Since the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1961, Antarctic activities have served as a model for peaceful- international co-operation in the interests of science. In the coldest continent the Cold War was stopped before it could begin. More important for New Zealand and other countries of the southern hemisphere, the treaty neutralised one area of possible threat. The treaty still has 20 years to run. Preserving it—and the sense of good will it fostered —is desirable for its own sake, as well as for the example it sets. This alone should encourage United States planners to look favourably on their country's future role io, the Antarctic. I ’ °