1577 



Political aspects were also considered, with particular attention to 

 the U.S. policymaking apparatus. From the national scene, the 

 study moved into the international arena and concentrated on the 

 concern of the whole world over ocean space. It also explored the 

 effect of science and technology in shaping national and international 

 policies, as well as the effects of man's activities on the environment. 



Underlying these various discussions was a call for a new sense of 

 world community and a new breed of scientist-diplomat to meet the 

 pressing need for fair and proper conduct in the international diplo- 

 matic process. 



These themes are as relevant today as they were when the study 

 was written. The study stopped chronologically at the time when 

 the world community of nations was preparing for the Conference on 

 the Law of the Sea; it served as a reference tool for those participat- 

 ing in the Conference. The first session of the Third U.N. Law of the 

 Sea Conference was held in 1974 in Caracas, Venezuela. Progress has 

 been slow ; by the conclusion of the sixth session in New York on July 

 15, 1977, a Law of the Sea Treaty had not been adopted and there was a 

 particular deadlock over the critical issue of seabed mining. 



If the study were to be altered, alteration would be in the form of 

 updating the chronology of events rather than alteration in the scope 

 of the study. However, since the problems of the seabed have not yet 

 been resolved, any alteration to the study at this time would be pre- 

 mature. The subject remains relevant to congressional concerns, and 

 both Houses have been active in related legislation since the publica- 

 tion of the study. As far as the project series is concerned, the study is 

 much more relevant today than when it was wi'itten. This relevance is 

 particularly evident in the executive branch, where the State Depart- 

 ment, pursuant to statute, has created the Bureau of Oceans and 

 International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, headed by an 

 Assistant Secretary of State (as of July 1977, this position was held 

 by a former Member of Congress, Patsy T. Mink.) 



Throughout the text the study showed the interaction of science and 

 technological development with the diplomatic process and with the 

 process of decisionmaking on the national level toward exploring and 

 exploiting the seabed resources. The conclusions reached can be main- 

 tained with the same emphasis today. 



Legislative action was initiated or completed in some areas directly 

 related to the contents of the study, such as the bills introduced in 

 the 92d through the 95th Congresses for the exploitation of hard min- 

 erals on the ocean floor, the resolutions in both Houses regarding the 

 Law of the Sea Conference, and the measure introduced in the Senate 

 Foreign Relations Committee for the creation of the above-mentioned 

 bureau in the Department of State. 



The significance of the issues raised by this study has not been 

 difficult to communicate to the Congress and the American people. 

 The subject has been the focus of attention throughout the world 

 since 1967, and recognition of its significance has been spreading into 

 a wide spectrum of the academic, industrial, economic, and political 

 sectors of the Nation. This significance is also reflected in govern- 

 mental reorganization in both the legislative and executive branches, 

 particularly in the former where several committees and subcommit- 



