ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the Norwegian South African Antarctic base transfer was reached. It argues that the solution reflected the geopolitical priorities of both governments and the nature of the political/diplomatic relationship between Norway and South Africa. The geopolitical, legal and resource stakes shifted markedly from the more benign period of the 1920s and 1930s. The decision to establish a base ultimately named Norway Station was taken by the Foreign Ministry, which anticipated a loss of prestige in addition to a potential loss of sovereignty if Norway were to leave activity in its territory to other states. South African designs on Bouvet Island appear to have mostly conformed to the model of respectful, scientifically motivated interest, but the lack of money and interest meant that Bouvet Island never hosted an IGY station. It is worth noting the contrast between South Africa's approach and that adopted by the United States and the Soviet Union on the Antarctic continent.
