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H. International Cooperation* 



During the past two years there has been an increase 

 in international cooperation in oceanography. Two recent 

 developments are noteworthy. An Intergovernmental Oceano- 

 graphic Comiiiission of member states of the ULJ family de- 

 siring to cooperate in oceanic research and surveys is 

 being organized under the umbrella of UIJESCO. This organ- 

 ization should be useful in fostering cooperative oceano- 

 graphic programs between the member nations and we urge 

 its wholehearted support by the United States Government, 

 Secondly, the International Indian Ocean Expedition 

 (sponsored by SCOR and UIJESCO) is well under way in the 

 planning and early reconnaissance stages. 



About a year ago, in response to a request from the 

 Government, we proposed a plan for strengthening relation- 

 ships between oceanographic centers in the United States 

 and corresponding centers in Latin America. This was 

 done at a time when tensions were particularly high between 

 Latin America and the United Stales. V?e understand that 

 this plan is now receiving renewed consideration by the 

 President's Science Advisory Committee and the ICA. We 

 hope that now action can be taken to implement this plan. 



The Academy's Committees on Oceanography and Inter- 

 national Relations are currently sponsoring a study (being 

 carried out by the Marine Laboratory of the University of 

 i:iami) of ways and means of developing stronger relation- 

 ships between Latin American and United States marine 

 scientists. Reactions from Latin American scientists are 

 being sought concerning the best mechanisms for such 

 cooperation. One plan frequently referred to in the 

 responses to this inquiry proposes a non-governmental Inter- 

 Airierican Council (or councils) for the exploration of the 

 sea. Such a council (patterned after the famous Inter- 

 national Council for the Exploration of the Sea) could 

 help develop strong and warm ties between the marine 

 scientists of our country and our Latin colleagues. 



Specifically on the recommendations contained in 

 Chapter I : 



* Comments in this Section apply to our Chapters 1 and 10 

 and to the programs of the IJSF, State Department and ICA. 



