WHO WAS FIRST?

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 694, 22 February 1933, Page 1

WHO WAS FIRST?

Norwegians Claim British Territory. SIR DOUGLAS MAWSON'S FIND. United Press Assn.—By Klectric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received February 22. 8.50 a.ip.) LONDON, February 21. A message from Oslo says that Australia's Antarctic claim is arousing keen interest in Norway. The Antarctic expert, Mr Bjarne Aagaard, states that the Government probably will acquiesce with reservations, but the decision will be withheld until the whole problem is considered. With Britain already possessing the Falkland and Ross sectors, universal recognition of Australia’s claim will mean that the . Empire will have taken a step towards making the Antarctic Continent British. Mr Aagaard contends that Norwegian whalers in January, 1931, discovered part of the territory claimed by Australia. Sir Douglas Mawson’s claim that he discovered Queen Maud’s Land a few hours before Lieutenant Riiser Larsen is erroneous. It will be an important question for Norwegian whalers if Australia tries to institute a system of licenses. Sir Douglas Mawson, commenting on Mr Aagaard’s remarks in relation to priority of discovery of Queen Maud’s Land, said that when the full facts were published in the near future in detailed scientific reports, the position would be plainer than ever. On February 15, at Melbourne, the Minister of External Affairs, Mr J. G. Latham, announced that the British Government, having obtained sovereign rights over Antarctic territory lying immediately south of Australia, other than Adelie Land, south of 60 degree's south and between 160 degrees and 45 degrees east, had placed it under the control of the Commonwealth Government.