The White House
Washington
Midwinter's Day 1979

Fifty years ago a scratchy, indistinct radio transmission from Little America brought to us the news that Richard E. Byrd had flown over the South Pole and opened the last unexplored continent on earth to man's pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

Twenty years ago twelve nations met in Washington, D.C., and signed a document called the Antarctic Treaty. With no precedent, these nations agreed to set aside their differences and to open Antarctica to peaceful, free and cooperative scientific inquiry. Today, people from many nations work side by side in Antarctica throughout the year--proving that Antarctica still is a continent open to men and women who, like Admiral Byrd and his party, dare to probe the frontiers of knowledge for the benefit of all mankind.

On this Midwinter's Day you in Antarctica should be proud of your work and tenacious in your friendships, for both transcend national boundaries and illustrate what can be accomplished when men and women of courage are free to cooperate and learn. Your work in Antarctica adds not only to our store of knowledge, but also to our faith in the persistence of the human spirit. With your help, this vast and fascinating area of earth remains open to peaceful scientific investigation.

I send you my best wishes at this midpoint in the austral winter. I applaud your dedication, and I am confident that your work will extend what we know of the world around us. I hope that you will share with others around the world the knowledge and the personal rewards you are gaining from your experience.

Jimmy Carter