WHALING CONVENTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23215, 8 December 1938, Page 14

WHALING CONVENTION

A •whaling episode of interest to other countries, including New Zealand, seems likely to occupy the attention of the Federal Courts in the United States. Two American vessels, one a factory ship, the other a tanker, have been concerned, it is said, in infringements of international whaling regulations; and the American authorities have taken drastic action, seizing a considerable portion of their cargo of whale oil. Prosecution of the owners of the factory ship is said to be contemplated. Whatever direction the further proceedings take, they will be watched intently, because of the test they may provide as to the practical value of the regulations. Last year a convention was signed by South Africa, the United States, Argentina, Australia, Eire, Germany, Great Britain, Newfoundland, New Zealand and Norway, with the object of setting limits to the killing of whales. Its clauses instituted a close season of nine months in the year for pelagic whaling, the absolute protection of some species and of all whale calves and females attended by calves, and a cessation of whaling from land bases for six months; pelagic whaling in certain areas was totally prohibited. This convention was not regarded as the last word. The fact that some whaling countries—Canada, Denmark, France, Japan and Portugal —had not signed meant a probability that enforcement of restrictions would be difficult. Indeed, the loyalty of signatories might be critically put to the proof, it was frankly stated, should any of the major whaling nations, such as Japan, continue to stand out. This test case in the United States should have weighty influence on the future of the convention.