INTERVIEWER: Now let's just have a look at theAntarctic Treaty.How far back does the idea of aninternational treaty go?
DOCTOR: Well,as far back as the 19th century,wheneleven nations organised an international event.
INTERVIEWER: When was that exactly?
DPCTPR: In 1870.And it was called the PolarResearch Meeting.And then,not long after that,theyorganised something called the First InternationalPolar Year.
INTERVIEWER: And that took place when exactly?
DPCTPR: Over two years from 1882 to 1883.But it wasn't until the 1950s that the idea of aninternational treaty was proposed.And in 1959 the Treaty was actually signed.
INTERVIEWER: What do you see as the main achievements of the treaty?
DPCTPR: Well,firstly it means that the continent is reserved for peaceful use.
INTERVIEWER: That's Article 1,isn't it?
DPCTPR: Yes...
INTERVIEWER: That's important since the territory belongs to everyone.
DPCTPR: Yes but not as important as Article 5,which prohibits any nuclear explosions or wastedisposal.
INTERVIEWER: Which is marvellous.Well,I'm afraid we're going to have to stop there becauseI'm afraid we've run out of time.Thanks for coming along today and telling us all about thecentre and its work.
