AntarcticTreaty

Front:
GHINGTON USAirmail 1961 Antarctic Treaty 50 JUN 21 1991 20066

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ANTARCTIC TREATY First Day of Issue: June 21, 1991 First Issue Location: Washington, D.C. Between 1772-1775 Captain Cook conducted his south latitudinal circumnavigation and maintained that Terra Aust- ralis most likely existed beyond theicecaps discovered around 65°S. Soon sealers, whalers and a few scientists, notably John Ross, ventured into the icy region. The true era of discovery commenced during the first two decades of the 20th century, when intrepid explorers such as Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen and Byrd led expeditions to the region. Seven nations eventu- ally decreed sovereignty over pie-shaped spheres of influence. During the 1950s the scientific community established an International Geophysical Year to coincide with sunspot activity projected for 1957-1958, and participating nations agreed to cast political tensions aside for universal scientific gain. This success led to a United States proposal for an international treaty guaranteeing Antarctica's free status. The governments of twelve nations eventually ratified the treaty, and five more eventually acceded as well. The stamp and design on this Maximum Card salutes the Antarctic Treaty, a landmark in international political diplomacy. No. 91-43 ©1991 The Maximum Card Collection A division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting for the Maximum Card by Dennis Lyall