Claiming and negotiating the Antarctic - The Antarctic: A Very Short Introduction - page 45

ally, for apartheid South Africa, this was a major international meeting in which the white
minority government could take its place without fear of isolation.
The conference closed in late November with the Antarctic Treaty open for signature on 1
December 1959. The treaty applies to all areas south of 60° south latitude. The preamble of
the treaty establishes its genealogical record and future-orientated goals:
Recognizing that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue for ever
to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of
international discord;
Acknowledging the substantial contributions to scientific knowledge resulting from inter-
national cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica;
Convinced that the establishment of a firm foundation for the continuation and develop-
ment of such cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica
as applied during the International Geophysical Year accords with the interests of science
and the progress of all mankind;
Convinced also that a treaty ensuring the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only and
the continuance of international harmony in Antarctica will further the purposes and prin-
ciples embodied in the Charter of the United Nations.
The reference to the Charter of the United Nations is noteworthy as twelve nations invoked
the assumed authority of the 'international community', including countries such as India
that raised the 'question of Antarctica' in 1956 and 1958 at the UN. The Indian interven-
tions played their part in reminding the negotiating parties that interest in the Antarctic was
growing, especially in parts of the world without a lengthy record of exploratory and sci-
entific engagement.
India and the 'question of Antarctica'
We are not challenging anybody's rights there [in Antarctica]. But it has become important
that the matter be considered by the United Nations. The fact that Antarctica contains many
very important minerals - especially atomic energy minerals - is one reason why this area
is attractive to various countries. We thought it would be desirable to have a discussion
about this in the United Nations.
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, 1958