# Antarctic Treaty signed (1 December 1959)

URL: https://allhistories.com/newzealand/timeline/1959-antarctic-treaty-signed
Location: Washington, United States
Themes: Key Events

New Zealand is one of 12 nations that sign the Antarctic Treaty in Washington. The treaty reserves Antarctica for peaceful purposes and scientific co-operation, bans military activity and nuclear testing there, and freezes territorial claims, including New Zealand's Ross Dependency. It enters into force in 1961. New Zealand had been active in negotiations promoting international co-operation on the continent.

## Why it matters
The treaty secured New Zealand's interests in Antarctica through international co-operation and remains the basis of its Antarctic policy.

Ruler at the Time: [Charles Lyttelton, 10th Viscount Cobham](https://allhistories.com/newzealand/rulers/charles-lyttelton-10th-viscount-cobham)

Prime Minister: Walter Nash (Labour)
Sovereign: Elizabeth II (House of Windsor)
Māori King: Korokī Mahuta

## Sources
- [Wikipedia - Antarctic Treaty System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty_System)
- [Wikipedia - Ross Dependency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Dependency)
- [Wikipedia - Post-war New Zealand (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_New_Zealand)