Office of the Historian

316. Memorandum From the Head of the Delegation to the Conference on Antarctica (Phleger) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Merchant)1

Washington, November 18, 1959.

At this morning’s meeting of the Heads of Delegations the discussion continued on the article on nuclear explosions.

After much discussion the following draft was formulated, being a combination of South African and Japanese proposals:

  • “1. Nuclear explosions in Antarctica and the disposal of radioactive waste material shall be governed by such rules as may be established under international agreements to which the Contracting Parties whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article VIII are parties concerning the use of nuclear energy, including nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste material.2
  • “2. Pending the establishment of such agreed rules, nuclear explosions in Antarctica and the disposal of radioactive waste material other than waste material resulting from nuclear processes in Antarctica shall be prohibited.
  • “3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is agreed that the Contracting Parties whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article VIII may, by unanimous prior consent, grant a waiver from the application of the provisions of para. 2. Such a waiver shall relate exclusively to the furtherance of the scientific investigation of Antarctica or of its peaceful development or to the disposal of radioactive waste material.”

The Soviet representative made comments indicating that this formulation, at least in part, might meet Soviet requirements but that his present instructions would not permit him to accept it. He said he would consult his government and request further instructions. The other delegates expressed approval subject to reference to their Governments.

The meeting adjourned until 10:30 tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow if the nuclear provision should be accepted, the question of accession will be pushed as it would then be the only remaining issue not agreed.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 399.829/11–1859. Confidential. Drafted and initialed by Phleger.↩
  2. Next to this draft paragraph on the source text Merchant wrote: “Farley thinks OK. 11/29.”↩