whatsoever which has international significance. The Soviet Govern-
ment considers that this international practice mus9t also be observed
with regard to the decision of the Antarctic question. It has already
had occasion to point out in an official note to the Norwegian Govern-
ment on January 27, 1939, the illegality of a separate solution of the
governmental ownership of Antarctica.
  As a consequence of the above, the Soviet Government cannot recog-
nize as legal any decision regarding the regime of the Antarctic taken
without its participation. It considers that, in as much as the fate of
Antarctica is a matter of interest for many countries, it would be ex-
pedient at the present time to consider the question of the Antarctic
regime on an international level with the view of attaining an agree-
ment which would be in accordance with the legal interests of all
interested states.
   For its part, the Soviet Government is ready to consider any pro-
 posals of interested governments, both regarding the method of con-
 sidering the indicated question and regarding the character of the
 Antarctic regime. It will be grateful to the Government of the United
 States of America for an indication of its point of view on this question.
   WASHINGTON, June 8, 1950.

 702.00/6-1950: Telegram
      The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the
                         Secretary of State

 CONFIDENTIAL                        LONDON, June 19, 1950-5 p. m.
   3447. In informal conversation with Cecil,1 head Latin American
 Department Foreign Office, Embassy raised question recent Soviet
 note re Antarctica. Cecil said Foreign Office did not know what nature
 British reply would be made. Note now being studied in Legal De-
 partment and only recommendation of Latin American Department
 to date is for prior consultation with US, Australia, New Zealand,
 possibly France and Norway before reply finally decided upon. Nor-
 way has already asked Foreign Office what British will say.
   Foreign Office has no idea what inspired Russian note or what next
 steps Russians contemplate. Cecil felt that remote possibility might
 be carefully worded resolution, suggesting some form trusteeship, for
 GA since current Russian tactics vis-a-vis Latins seem to include
 fomenting Latins' anti-colonial sentiments and USSR has always had
 greater success in Assembly's Fourth Committee than elsewhere.
   'Robert Cecil, Assistant Head of the American Department, in charge of
the
 Latin American Section, British Foreign Office.


913


ANTA'RCTICI'