Antarctica

Press, 21 April 1984, Page 18

Antarctica

Sir,—Fearful of a major hydrocarbons discovery before the conclusion of a treaty for exploitation in the Antarctic, mineral negotiations have forged ahead since June, 1982. The question of ownership of the land mass and its surrounding seas is the fundamental stumbling block. Any solution will centre around the two “accommodations.” The internal accommodation must reconcile the attitudes of the seven nations which make territorial claims with those of the majority nine nations which make no claims, and recognise none. The external accommodation must satisfy the world community that these 16 nations, at loggerheads among themselves, have a right to determine the future of a continent over which there is no universallyrecognised sovereignty. Your leading article of April 12, questioning the provocative behaviour of the Minister of Science, Mr Shearer, in apparently demanding acceptance by China of New Zealand “special rights” in exchange for access to sites, should be applauded. — Yours, etc., ERIC BENNETT, Wellington. April 18, 1984.