LETTER TO BRIAN V. KINNEY FROM (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85B00236R000200190004-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 7, 2013
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: March 26, 1982
• Content Type: LETTER

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20505
Mr. Brian V. Kinney
Chief, Declassification and
Historical Research Branch
Records Management Division
Washington Headquarters Services
Room 1D517, Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301
Dear Mr. Kinney:
We have reviewed the classification status of the Geographic Intelligence
Report entitled "Soviet Exploration and Research in the Antartic" forwarded to
us on 17 March 1982.
The report has been downgraded to CONFIDENTIAL under Section 1-301(c) of
Executive Order 12065 and is returned herewith. The next review date is 1989.
Sincerely,
Chief, Classification Review Division
Office of Information Services
Directorate of Administration
Enclosure:
GIR Rpt dtd 30 Nov 55
Distribution:
tl ~- ~~tdresse w/encl
Or
Liaison w/DOD7
Unclassified whe25X1
Separated from
Enclosure
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Copy Noa ,
CSC II4TELUGENCE REPO!?.t'.f'
SOVIET E PLORATION AND RES &RCA IN TSB ANTARCTXC
A Prelimirry Appraisal
SUPPLM4W A
CIA/RR--GR-84 01
30 November 1955
CEA.L U1 ELUGEIKCE AG MM
Office of Research and. Reports
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D
This material contains information affecting the
national defense of the United States within the
meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, USC, Sec.
793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which
in any wanwr to an unauthorized person is prohibited
by law.
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CCUTEM
Foreword
e e o a e? o.? .. ? e a o?? e o o
~T. Current ~.~ atimates of Soviet Objectives in the Antarctic. . . 1
11 a tiaraaal Pte . . . . . . . . . . . . . ? ? . ? . . . Kf ? 7
A. Cr zation and Vathodology . . . . . . ? . . . . ? o . 7
B. Logistics. o o . . ? ? e ? .
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PQRWORD
Supplement A to oR-8 , Soviet E cploation and Research in the
Antarctic, 2 November 195, was prepared at this time because of the
currency of political and intelligence problems related to the Soviet
interest in Antarctica. It summarizes and analyzes more recent
information that provides additional (1) indications of possible Soviet
intentions concerning Antarctica, and (2) details concerning Soviet
operational plans and equipment for its scientific and exploration pro-
grama The supplement has been written on the assuvption that the reader
has or can gain access to CIR-84.
Part I brings up to date the evidence of Soviet intentions of
remaining in Antarctica and suggests that unorthodox procedures might
be adopted by the Soviets to secure "squatters rigbtso" Part II pro-
video details on plans and facilities that confirm our original estimate
on the depth of Soviet planning. Moreover, the magnitude of base instal-
lation being planned tends to confirm the fact that it is aimed at the
establisbauent of bases for year-round and long-term occupancy,,
Since it is planned to incorporate these facts and estimates in a
subsequent revision of 0-84, the views and comments of interested
readers are solicited.
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SOVINT M IT'ICU AND REM t1H IN THE AHLRCTIC
Supplement A
I. Current Estimates of Soviet Objectives 3aa t Antarctic
Soviet announcements concerning their Antarctic plans issued during
the past n th have provided additional indications of Soviet (1) effovt-n
to build up their status with reference to their rights to Antarctica a&.
(2) intentions of remaining in Antarctica for an indefinite period after
the conclusion of the IUr promo In addition.. further insight has
been obtained into the possible Soviet course or action related to the
development of their rights or maims to part of Antarctica. Mounting
evidence indicates that the Soviets ay sttexcpt to achieve their goal
obliquely through "effective occupation" rather than through a head-on
claim made prior to such an occupation. In this manner the U. S. and
claimant countries would be confronted with the fait accoMli of an
elaborate system of permanent bases and research stations spread over
an extensive area.
Evidence of the plan to establish permanent bases in Antarctica
was provided by X. I. Tolstikov, Deputy Head of the Chief Administration
of the Northern Sea Route, Council of Ministers, USSR. In a 5 November
1935 Rome Service broadcast on Soviet tasks in Antarctica, he revealed
that it had been "decided to study the question of supply bases for
Antarctic whaling." It is worth noting that the plan was mentioned in
relation to the economic problem caused by the reduction in whale stocks
in the whaling area of the Slava, fleet. This economic concept must also
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be linked to the Soviet randum of 1M,#* which underscores the
economic importance of the Antarctic area to all countries and stresses
particularly the importance of Antarctica in world whaling acrtivities,
in which the 0i is a participant. Thus, the establishment of supply
bases is adroitly tied in with a fundamental Soviet expression of its
claims policy, in which the protection of economic rights of the Uss
is identified with the protection of those of all other nonoiclaimat
countries.
Recent'Soviet publicity concerning their scientific plans suggests
that Soviet scientific interests are also being tied in to the Soviet
mmaoramdum of 1950. The memorandim underscores the scientific impor-
tance of Antarctica as a favorable base for important meteorological
observations of significance to the whole Northern Hemisphere. Several
recent Soviet publicity releases through the Rare Service as veil as the
European Service stress the importance of Antarctic atmospheric processes
in the general air-mass circulation of the earth sad their significance
to the improvement of long-range weather forecasting. It is not diffi-
cult, therefore, to discern the evolution of a careful plan to identify
Soviet rights in Antarctica with the rights of all nations insofar as
economic and scientific gains are concerned. Moreover, it is not
inconceivable that the Soviet Union may ultimately try to emerge as
the guardian of international economic freedom and the sponsor of
international scientific dwmlopment in the Antarctica
VMG content of the memorandum (or note) is given an p. 3 of tit-+.
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Continued en hasis is being laid on the unexplored and Unmpped
character of the area in 'which the Soviets will be aeti. This is
acc ied by unusually strong eihasis on Soviet exploration
activities.* Toletikov states categoricealyt "The exhaustive , all
round exploration of Antarctica is one of the most ieportant under.
takings of the forthcoming Geophysical year .... Rxploration of the
Antarctic Continent itself viLl play an exceptionally important role.
The PrOPagsMa emphasis on this part of the Soviet
prOgram may indicate
an effort to is,ress world opinion with the greater magnitude of the
Soviet program and, ultimately, the superior results of its activities.
In this ear the Soviets may hope to Override any other prior claims
or rights that might be based an the relatively limited activities and
their modest results obtained thus far.
It would be insufficient, however, to assume that the Soviet
ftVhasin oa exploration and rping is being undertaken merely to
establish Soviet rights in Antarctica. Toletikov in his broad. t
revealed what may be a basic reason for the apparent umri
L1.ingn,ess of
the Soviets; to stake out an explicit territorial claim: "...it is still
not knova what the Antarctic represents in itself. Is it really a
continent covered by layers of ice, a group of large isles, or a vhole
archipelago? It is planned to solve this riddle of nature by the Joint
efforts of the scientists of many co ntriea." Bence, until a systematic
Ovcussion of the nature of Soviet non-ICY activities, see
?%, p. 1$ ff.
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h1k
geological, phyeiogrephic, and topographic survey is me4e, the Soviets
appear to be unwilling to chance the claiming of a mass of ice rather
than a valuablae piece of real estate. It would seem, thereefore, that
Pending the receipt and study of the results of the activities of all
countries the Soviets are likely to restrict their overt political
action to publicising their program, providing a continuing general
account of their activities and achievemcnte, and countering other
Antarctic claims along the general lines reflected in the notes of
1939 and 19,. It is not expected that the Soviets will reveal the
specific geographic and geologic results of their own activities,
particularly if valuable information on terrain and resources is
obtained. In that event, there may be a quiet establishment of
continuously occupied bases, followed eventually by the exploitation
of resources and the development of air facilities.
The linkage of the Russian Antarctic discovery (see c2t-&, p. 15)
with the Soviet Antarctic program has been further confirmed by V. F-
Bur ov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Merchant Fleet and
head of the Chief Administration of the Northern Sea Route, Council
of Ministers, USSR. In a European broadcast in French and in an
English-language broadcast to North America, he (1) mentions the
discovery of Antarctica by Bellingshausen and Iasaryev, vbich was
fO1l 'c d by "expeditions from the United States, Prance, and other
countries," (2) repeats that the i t was "allocated a most interesting
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area of the Antarctic ?? where no hui foot has ever trod," and (3)
refers to this area as "the coastal line of the continent between the
longititudes of 950 and l0 ."
In other , it appear* that the Soviet political course of
action in Antarctica viii be to effect a firm footholA through the
gradual evolution of "effective occupation." By 1960 the Western
World may be confronted with the fact that nothing short of a forceful
ejection can dislodge the Soviets from Antarctica. Aur attests to
dispute the Soviet occupation legally would be confronted by a propa-
gwAa reaction that would (1) claim prior discovery; (2) capitalise on
the superiority of Soviet explor?aation and mapping results in the area
of their activity; (3) emphasize the international character or the lOT
program wherein a of the cooperating countries viii not be territorial
claimants (thus reaffirming the right of all naticus to the eccmamic and
scientific benefits of the area); and (4) accuse the Western Bloc of
ialistic aggression.
It is believed that after the ICY such an occupation could be
supported by Soviet supply ships and the whaling flotilla, without
recourse to non-Soviet bases anywhere along the shipping lanes except
for emergency needs. This has alx*ady been specified as an objective
for the operations of the whaling fleet and,, in fact, was achieved by
the eighth voyage (1953-54) of the flotilla. leover, it is believed
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that supplementary Soviet air c .icatic s my be able to continue,
even without the use of Australian or Nov Zealand facilities, througb
alternate arrests such as the use of French facilities
on Hadagae-
car ain Kerguelen, or even the use of a chain of rescue ships. The
I" t would be similar to the plan being devele red for the U.S. Navy
flights from New Zealand to Wlkwdo Sound.
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YAP
II. +Ooerational Plates
A. Qr Cation and Methodology
The Soviet Antarctic-Coaplex Expedition is being cr wised in two
sections ..- continental and maritime. Within these, 22 scientific units
are being f , of which the follovi.ng have been definitely identified:
aerc to logical, geatphysiael, geological-ge cal, k3rologicel,,
obiological, and aerial-photography.
It has been sized that the Slave whaling ships will be used
integrally with the expeditionary ships in the mking of weather and
ocean phic observations. The anno nicement that the Obt the flagship
of the Xxpecl ition, will take part in Arctic as well as Antarctic rese&rch
is another indication of the intensity of the Soviet scientific effort.
Thus, the saints crew and staff will operate in both polar regions during
the IC! program4 This is part of the Soviet effort to obtain data that
will mart cocarison possible between "conditions existing in the opposite
polar areas of the globe and, in particular, establish whet is in comarn
and what unites atmospheric processes in the Arctic and the Antarctic,
and in what [aspects] they differ." In this conaI action, it was announced
that three rather than two drift stations will operate in the Arctic.
SP-4, SP- , and SP-6 will be organized to continue along the course
follawred by SP-2 under M. M. Somov in 1950-51.
Plans for the establishment of as scientific observatory at one of
the Antarctic stations were announced by the Soviets in a broadcast to
Europe on 12 November 1955. The follaving day, another broadcast to
p7-
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Zuroge revealed that the "South Polar gbservatcr7?' is to be the
HiM,t the station at the South Qec etle Pole is to be called the
v , a the third station at the sorc lled "Pole of dative MMCC482i~
bility" is to be called Sovets The, first two memo have been adopted
in honor of the ships of the. Del.lingshausen-14sarytV tiara of 1819-
ill.
On 1. Wovesber 195, further indication of the wthodoloa that
might be ecsplayad in the Antarctic van suggested in an pounce t
giving details of the Arctic plans for the 'IAXL fte Arctic PrOSPUM villa
include not only the 3 drift stations, 5 obeerV5toa isa, and 100 lend
(polar) stations, but also mobile research de rate and fig 1*bOr&-
torieeo 'together, they vi.Ll ewe observations at "over 500 paints-"
This s is the ,goitude of areal coverage that MY be u dertaktn in
the Antarctic,, If 500 observation points were est blisbad, it would
anent to one for every 250 square miles within the estimated area of
Soviet activity. One clue to the extent of coverage, therefore,
be the number of aircraft cc itted to the continental air detac,.bmtnt.
It is knom that 4 airplanes (Ll.2) and 2 helicopters are being sent
on the first voyage u Assuming that each of the subsequent vcrages
delivers a similar ecaplement of aircraft, a total of 30 aircraft
could be ccanitted, not counting aircraft that stag be f1 n from Perth,
Australia If 25 aircraft were used, 20 points per plane would
provide for the total of 540 observations, a not u reastsxable assumption.
-g_
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i nation of this .stl to All be obtn s a w
s erffort as the pert cf Weesttern V 1A.
8. ~tiasr
On 13 Xwmtbw,, a broadcast ancxaacv3e4 Oat "the + ' vt13 lam the
Rids d3ding- yards [vim it vas refitted' iu the wext feat dens
for to Rat her cargo therein ~ The Qb, is adwduw to depart
frow 1Re on 30 8epta'ber and tb* lot in the a dills of
r. Additional ia!'oaation bas alsa been abtalw4 eawernIng
the planned long-range f -t schedule to Antarctica ?- "Once may'
3 saantbe planes will leave Moscow far the Antarctic, i?t maintaining
live contact with the tion." Acct to $aeaavr "awe than 2,000
tea of various types of fuel will be provi44 to Antarctica to fuel
the paver station, tractors, fps, aizplaes, and helicopters." Sowv
also repeated his statement that the Soviets pll to aupplyr the
ft"ition with fresh fruit and. vegetables the year round, A cord ng
to a k November 19ys stateasut by I. 1. Claarevldkw, 1asdee of the
Antarctic aviation emit, aircraft will not only be used for ptrposeea of
exploration, but also for t erportiaes "prefabricated huts, trectors,
eTtipsent, and food stones."
C. OoerstionmU
Additional information has bem obtained on, some or the eq t
of the Expedition. The deep-water winches on, the 0 ' will be capable of
reaching depths up to 7s s000 tweeters (see a-&, p? 37).
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The prefabricated houses described (Cif-%, pp. 38-39) vriil have
? four layers of durable glass in the windows. The houses will be provided
with electric water heating. ThV viii have metal foundaticros and viii
be connected with each other by paasagevays, which viii permit movement
between buildings re rdless of the weather. To efficiency,
an automatic telephone exchange for intern cation between buildir
will be installed,. The j%rW station at the Knox Coast "will consist of
twenty buildings heated by ateem and water," aced 8 radio stations will,
be constructed to "insure reliable coasmnicatio, ,"
The planes to be used on the continent are being reequipped to
v trend low temperatures a strong winds. Extra insulation is being
put on the walls and floors of the cabins, special, heating equipment and.
suppl:taxy removable partitions are being ins , ,rend facilities
for food preparation are being arranged. The purpose of these alterations
is to race the planes habitable for work at points far from their bases.
It has been confirmed that the aircraft for the continental, aviation
unit will include the Ll-2, the Soviet version of the C-$7 (akota}; the
Ll.-l2, which has slightly superior performance; the AYE-2 biplane; and
the MI- helicopter.
In addition to previously mentioned vehicles, 8-80 tractors will
be used.
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l i WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, HEADQUARTERS SERVICES
Nw.r' J L b I\ L 1 iu?
March 17, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF, CLASSIFICATION REVIEW DIVISION, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
SUBJECT: Request for Declassification Review
During the systematic review of all classified Office of the Secretary
of Defense (OSD) documents over 20 years old, the Declassification and
Historical Research Branch, Records Management Division, Directorate for
Correspondence and Directives, Washington Headquarters Services, turned
up the attached document(s).
The documents were either originated by your agency, contain information
for which your agency is the classification authority, or are otherwise
of interest to you.
It is therefore requested that your agency review the documents and
recommend declassification, continued classification at the present or
lesser level of classification, and/or review by other agencies. If your
agency is recommending continued classification, in accordance with Para-
graph 3-401, Executive Order 12065, it is requested that an authority for
continued classification be specified, along with a date for the next review.
The time permitted by Executive Order 12065 to reach the point where all
OSD documents over 20 years old have been reviewed, and the large volume
of over 20 year old OSD documents, make it necessary to request your res-
ponse within 60 days. In your response, you may wish to provide guidance
with regard to what categories of information you do and do not wish to
have referred to you in the future.
Your assistance in effecting this review will be most appreciated. Please
return the documents to Mr. Brian V. Kinney, Chief, Declassification and
Historical Research Branch, Records Management Division, Washington Head-
quarters Services, Room 1D517, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301, upon
completion of your review.
Without attachments, this memorandum is UNCLASSIFIED.
E. E. Lowry,O
Attachments (1)
F1R[T
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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
1. Report, 30 Nov 55, Subj: Soviet Exploration and Research. in the Antarctic,
A Preliminary Appraisal, Supplement A, CIA/RR-GR,-84.1, Copy No. 21 (S)
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