NORWAY IN ANTARCTIC

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 75, 21 December 1929, Page 33

NORWAY IN ANTARCTIC

QUESTION OF WHALING RIGHTS

Sir Karl F. Knudsen, on behalf of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in London, of which he is president, says, with regard to the whaling industry in the Antarctic:-“It is ridiculous to talk about any ‘monopoly’ on the open seas. Since Antarctic whaling started, one third of the catch is attributable to non-Norwegian expeditions. Even these expeditions have been denendent for their success on Norwegian officers, crews find experience. “Certain events during the war led to a fear that this traditional Norwegian industry might be interferred with in favour of British enterprise, and this gave great impetus to experiments with open sea whaling which have met with such success .hat to-day it has been seriously discussed by some Norwegian holders of licenses whether they can afford to maintain them. “While the unlicensed companies pay no tax, those holding British licences contribute to the Falkland Islands Dependencies a considerable sum, out of which the Discovery expedition is financed. “I am one of those who regret the great expansion which has taken place, but so far no one has dared dogmatically to assert that those who are venturing considerable sums in this way are wrong.

“But why this endeavour to present greed, if greed it is, as a peculiarly

Norwegian failing? It is a human quality, and I would hesitate to accuse, say, Canada of greed because some individuals are denuding the forests. “Also, are you aware that among the new expeditions now on the way to the Antarctic half a dozen are exclusively British? Further, that fresh expeditions under Australian and New Zealand auspices are announced to join in the scramble? I may also point out that the expansion of various Norwegian companies would never have taken place but for the strong support of British capital.

“One word about Bouvet Island. The recognition of the Norwegian occupation was not the result of any friendship for Norway. I am not passing judgment on the advisability or otherwise of that occupation, but I am inclined to think that if you study the question you may find that if Great Britain has such claims as you indicate to the whole of the Antarctic Basin from South Shetland to the Ross Sea they would conflict with certain doctrines maintained by Great Britain with regard to territories in the Arctic.”

In a concluding paragraph Sir Karl declares that the work he has always had most at heart is the removal of all causes of friction between his native country and that of which he now has the honour to be a citizen.