HEARD ISLAND, 26 December 1947
Whereas in time past the sovereign rights of His Majesty in respect of Heard Island (lat 53 10’S., long 73 35’E.) and the McDonald Islands (lat 53 05’S., long 72 32’E.) have in divers manners been asserted and exercised:
AND WHEREAS His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has authorised me to organise on behalf of His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia the effective occupation of these Islands:
NOW therefore I, Stuart Alexander Caird Campbell declare that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia intends forthwith to continue the occupation of these Islands and to administer them as Australian territories. [1] Given under my hand at Heard Island where this record is deposited.
(Signed) STUART CAMPBELL Date 26/12/47
Witnesses G.M. DIXON Lt. Commander D.S.C. R.A.N.V.R.
JOHN H. BURGESS Lt. Commander V.D., R.A.N.R.
J. ABBOTTSMITH.
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1 An announcement including the text given in Document 581 was made on 28 December. It also referred to Christmas greetings from the expedition and successful completion of the landing.
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[AA : A1838,1495/3/2/3, i]