Amidst the various major events, there were still some noteworthy minor incidents in February 1920.
First, in mid-February the Spitsbergen Islands Treaty was signed by the World Alliance, recognizing the Spitsbergen Islands as belonging to Norway and having full and complete sovereignty.
However, at the same time, the World Alliance also stipulated that the area must never be used for war purposes and that all citizens of the contracting countries can freely enter and engage in legitimate production and commerce activities while complying with Norwegian laws.
This treaty made the entire Svalbard Islands (Spitsbergen Islands, Northeast Island, Aegean Island, and Baron's Island) the first and only demilitarized zone in the Arctic region, allowing access to all citizens of the contracting countries.
Simply put, even though Australasia is in the Southern Hemisphere, due to this treaty, it has a scientific research base in the Arctic, which is still essential for it.
