U.S. Airmail Stamp Commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty

This stamp was issued in 1991, the 30th Annivversary of the Antarctic Treaty. The stamp shows a rugged Antarctic coast, with a U.S. Coast Guard Ice Breaker ship in the coastal waters. Much interesting postal history exists related to Antarctica, try Antarctic Philately.

Here is the preamble of the Antarctic Treaty:

Done at Washington 1 December 1959

Entered into force 23 June 1961

The Governments of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the UnitedStates of America,

RECOGNIZING that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue for ever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord;

ACKNOWLEDGING the substantial contributions to scientific knowledge resulting from international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica;

CONVINCED that the establishment of a firm foundation for the continuation and development of such cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica as applied during the International Geophysical Year accords with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind;

CONVINCED also that a treaty ensuring the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only and the continuance of international harmony in Antarctica will further the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations...

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