IOC/B - 50 (1) - page I6 



matters, regarxiless of the part of the world to which they refer, are discussed 

 at a single world mesting, is becoming ciinbersome and tending to retard progress. 

 Perhaps the decentralization might take place along the lines of the regional as- 

 sociations of WMO. Such associations could be most effective in advancing co- 

 operative investigations in their areas of interest, with a minimum of reference 

 to the central organizations. They could also 



(I) bring the marine scientists working in a region together regularly, to 

 discuss their mutual problems and to discern ways in which they can be 

 attacked; 



(II) foster real mutual assistance. 



13. Where regional bodies already exist, but outside IOC (e.g. the International 

 Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in the North Atlantic, and the 

 International Commission for the Sci«itlfic Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea 

 (ICSEMS) in the Mediterranean), IOC should engage in discussions with these bodies 

 with a view to some form of co-operative arrangements. 



^k. The United Kingdom welcomes the proposals made in IOC/b/51 for more orderly 

 and efficient conduct of the business of the IOC, and hopes that they will be 

 brought into force at the next meeting of the Commission. 



5. SWITZERLAND 



Extract from the lettar of 2 September fx-ora the Department of Federal Policy, 

 Switzerland: 



"Oceanographic studies have not so far been undertaken on a very large scale 

 in Switzerland. Nevertheless we have followed the work of the IOC with great 

 Interest, as you know, and we are very conscious of the importance of the pi?os- 

 pects opened up by the scientific exploration of the seas and also of the pro- 

 blems involved in the peaceful use of the sea- bed beyond the limits of national 

 Jurisdiction. 



Under the circumstances we wish to inform you that we are in general agree- 

 ment with the recommendations of the Bureau and Consultative Coiincil of the IOC, 

 although we are not in a position to make specific proposals as to the practical 

 action which should be taken upon them. It is impossible for us to say, in par- 

 ticular, whether the Federal authorities could eventiially contribute financially 

 to the development of IOC's activities." 



k. DENMARK 



Extract from the letter of 12 September I968 from Mr. Hanne Boye of the 

 Danish National Commission for Unesco: 



"In reply to your CL/212 of 26 July, reference AVS/9/89/2C, I have pleasure 

 in informing you IJiat the President of the Danish National Council for Oceano- 

 graphy has declared that in the view of the mentioned Council a broadening of the 

 programme of international co-operation within the oceanographic field would be 



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