A note on a theorem of E. Cartan (Q2548631)

Let \(G\) be a connected algebraic group defined over \(\mathbb R\) and of compact form. The theorem in question says that, if \(G\) is semisimple, the maximal tori \(T\) defined over \(\mathbb R\) are conjugate over \(\mathbb R\). \textit{G. Harder} [Abh. Math. Semin. Univ. Hamb. 28, 208--214 (1965; Zbl 0158.03104)] has shown that this can be deduced from the triviality of \(\mathrm{Ker}\,\{H^1(\mathbb R,T) \to H^1(\mathbb R,G)\}\). The present paper gives a simpler version of that story. Using Serre's result that \(H^1(\mathbb R,G_{\mathbb R}) \to H^1(\mathbb R,G_{\mathbb C})\) is bijective, the problem is reduced to considering the map \(H^1(\mathbb R,T_{\mathbb R}) \to H^1(\mathbb R,G_{\mathbb R})\) whose kernel is obviously trivial. Harder's use of the term ``injective'' for ``having trivial kernel'' leads the author to suspect an error in Harder's paper. However, Harder's full statement of the theorem (Satz 3.3.1) shows this to be a misunderstanding.