[Australia]: Message to Argentina

[Owen]

​

AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA TO ARGENTINA​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET (Encrypted)​

4 November 1996 Adolfo Cambiasso President of Argentina Casa Rosada, Balcarce 50 Monserrat, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires ARGENTINA C1064 CABA​

Dear Mr. Cambiasso, I think you will find this letter quite odd. It is unusual for the Australian Government to reach out to the Argentine Government but the world is facing extraordinary circumstances. At this current time, Sweden is exercising authority over the entirety of the Antarctic continent and have no qualms with enforcing it as such. This has caused outrage in my government and the international community has been relatively silent. We know that Argentina, as with Australia, has had strong historical ties to the Antarctic continent. Having a power from the literal other side of the world come in and seize the whole continent is outrageous. It would be like if Australia went and took control over the Arctic. If that happened, surely the neighbours of the Arctic would be furious. As we are both neighbours to the Antarctic I wish to meet with you at the earliest convenience to discuss this matter. Yours Sincerely, Warwick Weemaes.

Embassy of Australia, BELGRANO, BUENOS AIRES C1426 BMJ Telephone: (54) 11 4779 3500​

Protective Marking:	Business Impact Level:	Compromise of Information Confidentiality:	Required to be Encrypted:
UNOFFICIAL	No Business Impact	No damage. This information does not form part of official duty.
OFFICIAL	Low Business Impact	No or insignificant damage. This is the majority of routine information.
OFFICIAL: Sensitive	Low to Medium Business Impact	Limited damage to an individual, organisation or government generally if compromised.
PROTECTED	High Business Impact	Damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.
SECRET	Extreme Business Impact	Serious damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.
TOP SECRET	Catastrophic Business Impact	Exceptionally grave damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

​ ​	Secret and Encrypted ___________________________________________________________​ Message to: Warwick Weemaes, Ambassador of Australia to the Republic of Argentina Message from: Esteban Andrada, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Argentina

The present message has been encrypted and encoded with the Advanced Internal Communications System. The unauthorized divulgence of the content of the present message, or part of it, is strictly prohibited. ​

Ambassador Weemaes, We would like to acknowledge the reception of your letter. In response to it, and considering the urgency of the matter, we would like to summon you on your earliest convenience to the Ministry for a private meeting with advisors from the Governmental Palace and myself. Sincerely yours, Esteban Andrada, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Argentina

Owen

 

[Owen]

The Ambassador would head over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by private car. He would head up to the reception desk who would lead him through to the Minister's office. It would be a private room, no journalists or unauthorised personnel.

"Minister Andrada... Pleasure to meet you. For our first meeting it sure is well.. one of utmost importance." He would take a seat.

"Sweden is.... well I'm not sure how to put it. A thorn in our side."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

The australian ambassador would be expected at the front door and received by a junior diplomat who would welcome him and accompany him to the VIP elevator heading directly to the conference room next to the Minister's private office.

Awaiting there was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Legal Counselor of the Ministry, the Director for Antarctic Affairs and 2 representatives from the President himself.

The Minister would warmly greet the Ambassador and introduce him to the rest of the attendance, offering him a coffee as well.

They would seat down around the large black wood and glass table. The Minister would nod and the doors would be closed, giving them privacy.

"Ambassador Weemaes, your letter came at an very interesting moment. Indeed we must agree with your assessment regarding Sweden. Its unilateral claim on Antarctica has been tolerated by now, with the idea that they would soon realize how far fetched and inconvenient this idea of claiming Antarctica for a country far away is. Clearly they are more stubborn than they seem.

The Republic of Argentina has a century long claim over a portion of the white continent, just 2 flying hours away from the south american continent, and has not and will never recognize a claim such as the swedish.

With this said, I understand Australia also has interests in Antarctica, and I think a far more understandable one than Stockholm's... Could you tell us a little whats going on?"


Owen

 

[Owen]

"Well I'm not sure tolerated is the word. Basically Sweden had a public claim over the continent, nothing more than just a mere claim. We likewise also have a claim over a portion of the continent. What's different is Sweden is willing to and is currently acting on its claim and enforcing the continent as Swedish territory and this is the situation we find ourselves in. Until now, no one knew that Sweden was enforcing Swedish law over the continent. We went to Antarctica to build a research base and were ambushed by the Swedish Navy who have gone on to detain 116 scientists for "unlawful entry" into Swedish territory. Clearly the Swedish have completely blindfolded themselves to the fact that this is a complex situation and enforcing their law over the continent is well.. dubious at best. They're stubborn and not even going to acknowledge the complexity of the situation, instead pushing forth with trialling these people for illegal entry into Swedish territory and not willing to negotiate any settlement. So far, everything the Swedish have done in Antarctica have been under the cloud of secrecy and only by arresting these individuals did it come to light. The secrecy of such deployments to Antarctica and not announcing to the world that Swedish law was in effect in the continent is highly suspicious.

We are bringing this matter forward to the Global Assembly and hopefully we can codify into law an international law in regards to Antarctica. We're open to your suggests and amendments in the debate chamber and would welcome your input."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"These are some disturbing news you are telling me. We were not aware they are willing to confront on this unreasonable claim. Sweden cannot just show up one day and claim this territory as their own without any form of previous act of sovereignty and ignoring the claims of traditional antarctic nations such as Argentina or Australia.

Regarding your idea to present the matter to the Global Assembly, there we can't sadly help you since we are not part of the GA. The positive side on this is that we are not bound by their regulations, although we do share some of their moral guidelines.

But back to strict Antarctic issues, the argentine armed forces are currently preparing the 1996/1997 summer campaign, with the goal of establishing a new scientific and logistical station on the Antarctic Peninsula, within our historical claimed territory. Any interference by part of Sweden will be ignored, and attempts to impose "swedish law" will be disregarded. Thanks to your information though we will be ready to reinforce our schedule, should Stockholm attempt to use the force. Unlike Sweden, our Air Force is just minutes away.

On a more political plain, does Australia claim the "traditional" portion in East Antarctica?"

Owen

 

[Owen]

"I must warn you that they are willing to use force, our scientists were arrested by force, the Swedish waved guns and had armed ships there. I'm afraid if you go there you will meet a similar fate if you're not willing to fight for it. We were not prepared to start a conflict in Antarctica and we're hopeful we can still resolve this through peaceful matters such as the GA. We're afraid the Swedish would be willing to start a conflict over this, if you did plan on using force. We currently claim everything between 45 degrees east and 160 degrees east to the South Pole. We decided to cover the traditional French Adelie Land due to their lack of interest in the region.

While its sad you're not apart of the GA, we did make provision in the resolution to allow involvement in Antarctica by non-GA states if they directly border Antarctica, that is Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and South Africa."

He would hand the Minister a printed copy of the resolution to read: https://modernnations.com/threads/ga-1996-antarctic-summit.14076/ (under spoiler)

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Obviously this is not a matter I can decide here and now, but I can assure you we are not shy in the use of our forces in retaliation to an attack against our interests and assets. We have faith in our important naval and aerial forces should it come to that. Hopefully not, though.

I see that, aside from the relinquished french claim, Australia seeks its traditional claim. Argentina would be willing to recognize the Australian claim and consider said territory sovereign australian land, in return for australias recognition of our own claim, that spans from 25°W to 74°W, south of the 60° parallel and up to the South Pole.

This would be part of a plan we are trying to push forward to resolve the antarctic issue in an alternative way. We have ongoing negotiations with other antarctic nations and members of the international community to seek further international recognition to his deal."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"We would look into recognising Argentina's claim, subject to the GA resolution should it pass.

As for the international community, they've been quiet... but I'm sure if they understood what was happening we would have more support against the Swedish. If they weren't greedy by taking the whole continent and doing it in secrecy by not making it known, they wouldn't be in such a hole. But I believe they've dug quite a hole for themselves and severely damaged their reputation which until now was quite solid."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Would the GA Resolution not "freeze" the claims, putting everything on hold? We are looking to exercise our sovereignty, while obviously putting research and science in front of the activities developed down there. Including allowing foreign scientific personnel to conduct investigations in the area.

Well, if you look closely the swedes have more wholes than a swiss gruyere cheese. They still owe Egypt about 7 billion USD from broken contracts and awaiting sentence at the ICJ.

We are confident to be able to rally support from at least 3 influential nations on this matter, it would surely be a big push to have Australia supporting this new inclusive division.

Might I ask a little bit about the event where the swedes unlawfully detained your scientist? Did they have navy ships involved? Multiple?"

Owen

 

[Owen]

"No the proposed resolution doesn't do that, it allows for certain nations who meet a certain criteria to be able to make claims but that they're not allowed to enforce claims as sovereign territory, that is restrict anyone from entering the claimed territory or enforcing their law at all. The resolution states the law that is applied to the people who are in Antarctica is the law of their home country.

The event took place on the Bailey Peninsula, our scients were there constructing a base which was to be known as Casey Station. They surrounded them with several armed navy vessels", I think about 6 and demanded that they leave immediately. They currently have in their possession our only icebreaker, the RSV Aurora Australis and from what I gather all the scientists are detained on that vessel. So far they've promised to deliver it back to us, but not the scientists. Our point to the Swedish is that unlawful entries are usually deported, this is the case in all nations, though they're adamant on bringing these 116 individuals to trial which is nothing more than a farce."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Mhh, I understand. Argentina's position and believe is that nations such as ourselves and Australia have the right to claim and exercise sovereignty over parts of Antarctica, we can't sadly accept something that would go against that. That is why we are suggesting a divergent approach.

With that said, we see no reason to oppose another agreement that guarantees freedom of movement for scientists and researches in the area as long as they inform their presence.

Finally, I can inform you that as we speak an argentine icebreaker is entering antarctic waters in exercise of our sovereign rights. Should Sweden try to interfere, it will be handled accordingly. Can we somehow assists regarding the sitution of your prisoners and your hijacked vessel?"

Owen

 

[Owen]

"The resolution also states that Antarctica is to be used for peaceful purposes and that no armed military is allowed to have a presence in Antarctica, so even if we said its sovereignty territory of your nation there is still no way to enforce it. We've done this because our ultimate goal is peace in Antarctica and peaceful research to take place and therefore no sovereignty, no military. It's the only way to avoid conflicts. Having said that, even if you are not a member of the GA you are still bound by its laws and you can still be taken to the ICJ for breaching them. I'm not saying Argentina will do that if the resolution passed, but I am making you aware of that.

Well our vessel, we're not sure about its current position. We have lost contact with the crew onboard. We would suspect it would be heading across into the South Atlantic. If the vessel was not being escorted by the eight or so vessels that surrounded it, it would be a good opportunity to capture it. We would be indebted to Argentina if it was able to do some surveillance and provide us with intelligence on the vessel, if its being escorted and its position. I must reiterate, anything said in this meeting is STRICTLY confidential."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Argentina is willing to accept to remove all military presence south of the 60ºS, with exception of logistical support units, but for this to be done our rightful claim over a portion of the continent has to be formally recognized.

It cannot be that on the verge of the XXI century a far away nation just pops up one day and claims AN ENTIRE continent for themselves, disregarding all previous history and relations and occupy it with military forces.

Argentina was fine with the status quo previous to this swedish move that clearly broke the balance. Now we don't know if there is any going back...

Regarding the GA laws affecting Argentina, we did the corresponding legal consultations and it was confirmed to us that GA Resolutions are not binding for non-GA nations. This however does not exclude the possibility of Argentina voluntarely adhering to one.

Thank you for the information on your capture ship and personnel. It seems things are heating up down there, but we will do our best to keep your people safe and try get them back, should we have the opportunity."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"I guess your claim can only be recognised by individual nations, but we would definitely be happy to recognise the Argentine claim once there is some legal framework in existence in regards to Antarctica, in exchange for Argentina recognising Australia's. It would be appreciated if Argentina would adhere to the international law regardless of their membership status, as a gesture of good will. Well you can definitely try and get the scientists back... don't let me stop you. But we are on the verge of a break through with the Swedish in getting them back and that's obviously our priority so maybe hold off on that for the time being.

Now I will give you fair warning, but don't do anything that could potentially damage your reputation on the world stage with Antarctica. I can see nations are warming up to condemning Sweden, but let's not get to the point where they're condemning you as well. We need all the diplomatic muscle we can get against Sweden and hopefully that will make them step down and negotiate an international agreement."

Naio90

 

[Owen]

"We've got our scientists back, we reached an agreement with the Swedish and the vessel and all 116 personnel are now back in our custody.

However, as apart of the agreement we had to publicly condemn Argentina. Don't take it to heart, it's only to satisfy the Swedes demands. In fact, just ignore it."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Ehm.. well, this is a shame. You are saying that your Government is accepting the blackmailing attempt from the swedish usurpers? Sad, but there is nothing we can do in that case, I guess its your sovereign decision to do so.

We also saw your PM's statement and are rather dissapointed. But we would like to point out, first, that the argentine icebreaker operating on argentine antarctic waters is unarmed and on a logistical/research mission, and our only other asset currently under the 60°S is a patrol aircraft, unarmed as well, providing support to the icebreaker, secondly, the status quo on antarctic affairs was broken the moment Sweden attempted to claim a whole continent for themselves. The Republic of Argentina was perfectly toelrating the peaceful situation before swedens move. SO, in our understanding, if someone has to be blamed for a further militarization of Antarctica, it is Sweden."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Unfortunately our hands were tied. We had 116 individuals who were about to be sent to the other side of the world. We have them back now so we're in a better position. It is our hope that Sweden will crash and burn to the ground. Their arrogance in trying to get that agreement was astonishing. We're frankly fed up with them and now we have the scientists back, we don't care what our next move will be.

Having said that, the agreement did not stipulate we couldn't then further condone your actions. They just wanted a single condemnation. As I said, the statement was complete bullshit and fabricated to satisfy Sweden. We absolutely support the measures you've been taking and we will probably make a further statement saying that."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"I understand, politics. We hope that Sweden sees that they cannot just come down, across the whole planet, and claim land that does not belong to them. They broke the status quo and reigning antarctic balance with this action and now are bringing the conflict close to an open confrontation. We will try to avoid using the force, but should they try pulling something similar to what they did to your scientist, against the argentine icebreaker that is currently operating there, god help us all.

We hope the antarctic summit can resolve something before things go out of hand. We have dispatched a representative to observe and eventually try make some contributions to make the agreement more acceptable for Argentina. We can't make any guarantee as of now though."

Owen