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.