Marine Science Affairs 



Appendix C-2 — Draft Resolutions Submitted and Principles Supported by 

 the United States in the Ad Hoc Seabed Committee — Continued 



Recalling further the proposals made by the Secretary-General In his report 

 (E/4487) pursuant to resolution 2172 (XXI), 



Noting that the Bureau and Consultative Council of the Intergovernmental Oceano- 

 graphic Commission of UNESCO considered the prop>osed International Decade 

 of Ocean Exploration a useful initiative for broadening and accelerating investiga- 

 tions of the oceans and for strengthening international co-operation, 



Noting also the recommendation adopted by the Economic and Social Council 

 on 2 August 1968, inviting the General Assembly to endorse the concept of a co- 

 ordinated long-term programme of oceanographic research, taking into account such 

 initiatives as the proposal for an International Decade of Ocean Exploration and 

 international programmes already considered, approved and adopted by the Inter- 

 governmental Oceanographic Commission for implementation in co-operation with 

 other specialized agencies. 



Aware of the consideration given to the proposal in the Ad Hoc Committee to 

 Study the Peaceful Uses of the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor, arising from the im- 

 portant contribution which the Decade would make to scientific research and explora- 

 tion of the sea-bed and deep ocean floor, 



1. Welcomes and commends to Member States the concept of an International 

 Decade of Ocean Exploration to be undertaken within the framework of a long- 

 term programme of research and exploration under the general aegis of the United 

 Nations ; 



2. Invites interested Member States to formulate proposals for national and inter- 

 national scientific programmes and agreed activities to be undertaken during the 

 Decade with due regard to the interests of developing countries, to transmit these 

 proposals to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and to begin such 

 activities as soon as practicable ; 



3. Urges Member States to publish as soon as practicable the results of activi- 

 ties which they will have undertaken within the framework of the Decade and at the 

 same time to communicate these results to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic 

 Commission ; 



4. Requests the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission: 



(a) To further and co-ordinate, in co-operation with other interested agencies, 

 an expanded, accelerated, long-term and sustained programme of world-wide explora- 

 tion of the oceans and their resources of which the Decade will be an element, includ- 

 ing international agency programmes, expanded international exchange of data from 

 national programmes, and international efforts to strengthen the research capa- 

 bilities of all interested nations; 



(b) To report through appropriate channels to the twenty-fourth session of the 

 General Assembly on the progress made in ocean activities undertaken pursuant to 

 this resolution. 



August 26, 1968 



D. Draft statement of Agreed Principles proposed for submission to the General 

 Assembly and supported by the United States 



( 1 ) There is an area of the sea-bed and ocean floor and the subsoil thereof, 

 underlying the high seas, which lies beyond the limits of national jurisdiction 

 (hereinafter described as "this area"); 



(2) Taking into account relevant dispositions of international law, there should 

 be agreed a precise boundary for this area; 



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