DEAR ADMIRAL BYRD:

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-05597A000200040032-6
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 8, 2009
• Sequence Number: 32
• Publication Date: November 17, 1955
• Content Type: LETTER

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17 November 195S
It shoull be emphasized that the specialized capabilities of the
intelligence awen i-es of the Government are being utilized in the develop-
ment of this Survey. To this and production responsibilities are allocated
to those agencies which are best qualified by reason of their intelligence
requirements, production capabilities and dominant interest is accordance
with established N1$ policy. In ,adthtiun, other agencies of the Government
assist the major contributors to the extent of any unique or specialised
capabilities.
It is the intention of the NIS Committee, to have all contributions
to the NIS on Antarctica completoU by 1 February 1956. The participating
agencies have indicated they will meet the deadline. Allowing time for
final review and printing, it is estimated that the NIS on Antarctica will
be published and disseminated in April 1956.
In order that you may be fully informed an this matter I am
enclosing copies of correspondence with Admiral f ufek, a lint of partici-
pating agencies, and a stunmary of their intended coverage of the NIS an
Antarctica. ~7Iease let me know U I can be of further service to you.
cerely yours,
K. A. KNOWLES
Chairman, NIS ('mmittee
hear Ad. r,-irai Richard A. Byrd, USN (Fact)
Officer in Charge, U.3. Antarctic Programs
131 Old Post Office wilding
Washington 25, D. C.
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Enclosures to 17 November 19SS letter from Chairman, NIS Committee
to Officer in Charge, U. S. Antarctic Programs.
,Irrar of iatetuded coverage and List of
i antributors to NIS 69 - Antarctica
Cbmter 11 - 1+^tlitary Ceography
=' N1 '"oordtnator
Section 20 - Introduction DNI with the assistance
A strategic appreciation of the area as a
whole in relation to its surroundings with
special consideration to aspects of location,
size, shade and boundaries, dominant geo-
graphic eler .eats and the area's strategic
potential.
of the Hydrographic Office.
Section 22 1-oasts and Landfnp Place: -"`NT with the assistance
,. M...'..._ of the Hydrographic Office.
A general description of the coastal
area and landing places, including a compre-
henstve- treatment of nearshore oceanography.
Section 23 - Weather and Climate
An overview of the significant aspects
of general climate and oceanographic can-
ditions as they affect the area's strategic
potential. Also, a detailed coverage of
marine clirr.ate and oceanography, including
the effects of weather and climate on air
and surface military operations.
Section 24 - Topography
A treatment of the topographical elements
which are known to have a military signifi-
cance such as laadforms, relief and drainage
pattern, water resources, soils. lithology.
vegetation and other special physical features.
fttion of c -coup movement
umuhe' ev
military vehicles, equipment axtdp(ersonnel.
/
Hydrographic Office
and Naval Aerology.
ONl with assistance of
Hydrographic Office.
Army Map Service and
Military Geology Division
of Department of Interior.
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Chapter V - Political 0IR. State, Coordinator
A. General.
(Revival of interest in Antarctica re IGY
and re political importance of the Antarctic
continent in terms of various national interests
and motivations: economic. strategic, prestige.
etc. ; major asctors. geographical description.
etc. ; succinct history of exploration, scientific
investigation, claims, conflict of claims, with
respect to general principles of international
law, and of interest; attitudes re international
cooperation; etc.)
B. National interests and activity in Antarctica.
1. Nations having specific claims.
a. Argentina DRA
b. Chile
c. United Kingdom
d. New Zealand
Australia
f. France
S. Norway
h. Germany
2. Interested nations not having specific claims.
a. United States
b. Soviet Union
c. Japan
1. Belgium
ee. Sweden BC R
f. South Africa Ste' , SCR
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Cba r i+ - Political (continued)
Political pressures -- domestic and/or foreign (natios-altam.,
including impact an domestic politics; attitudes of military
and other leaders and people; international rivalry. etc-)
Whaling and fishing
- Minerals
- Commercial air and sea travel and, freighting
3 ceac-mic importance of scientific research
Statement of Scope of claims. if any. unofficial or official.
land of the form which these claims bav* taken, and say ,baUheS
in the scope of said claims; if no claims have been made, why
not (position regarding the making of claims); have claims been
reserved? national positions -- official and unofficial and. to
latter, those of publicists, etc. -- re comparative merits at
various criteria of international law relating to territorial claims
in Antarctica. include national positions to right of succession
and the concepts of continuity and contiguity; and, in cane of
Australia and Norway: what claims have been. relinquished a why
wrherre' basis for previous claims.
(2) Historic and cu xrent activity (specify whether official or unofficial
and, where relevant, differentiate according to sector)
or
(3)
(a) Discovery
(b) Exploration
(c) Occupation and Administration
(3) Conflicts with other nations
or i~
(4) History of conflicts and of efforts to resolve conflicts;
attitudes re reaching a settlement and to various alternatives;
attitudes re international cooperation: attitudes regarding
cooperation with other countries, history of cooperation with
others; to what extent have this nation's claims been recognised
by other states? (which? why', reciprocal or gratuitous? etc.);
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ter V - Political (continued)
attitudes re ICY -- regarded as a means at advancing national
claims jr as an international endeavor, leading perhaps to
further international cooperation ._ Attitudes with respect to
internationalization of Antarctica, is specific proposals
(both by ;.,>wn nationals and by those of other countries) --
*.g.. by UN. by international conference to "parcel out"
territories, etc . attitudes re exclusion of any country or
countries, primarily the Soviet Union, from say such
settlements etc.
(4) Plans for future activity (relate to further strengthening of
claims re ICY and pre-ICY plans)
The fol nrtion of the text will epnred
the Division re siblo far the raa-l-,ect cotintr
but is intended for use in subsection C. Anal ical
Summer oI Flositionsof terested ies.
Effects of other national interests and claims not In direct conflict
with those of subject country.
- Impact of U. S. positions on country's claims or interests
- Impact of other countries' interests and claims on subject country
- Impact of (subject) country's position on U. S. interests
- Impact of country's position an other countries' interests
and claims.
,-.
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Chapter V1 -
A. General
General survey Pf ec o ik activity
anti potential in Antarctica .
."baling and Fisheries
Whaling.
Operations and importance of
activity of nations engaging in Whaling
in Antarctic waters.
Fisheries.
Operations and magnitude of fishing
activity in the Antarctic. Economic
potential of fisheries and sealing.
out State. Coordinator
Assisting Agencies:
Irish as Wildlife Sservice
Department of Interior
C. Mineral sawerces. Bureau at !dunes
x.iepartruent of Interior
1. kLn*wxa x .sral cieposite.
a. Coal
b. Copper
c. Aber minerals
2. Mineral potential. Bureau of Mines
(To be treated by Departmait of Interior
geographical regions)
D. Miscellaneous economic potentialities.
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