23 



What is the gentleman's opinion of the Geneva Convention? Was 

 that an entering wedge? 



Mr. Hanna. That actually was a continuum of an attempt to 

 protect what the national interests of the active seacoast nations 

 were with regard to the continental shelf. Probably if the United 

 Nations stays at the status quo, you will see there will be in 1969 

 another meeting of this group wdth a follow-on convention which Mas 

 anticipated at the end of the one which made this report, to further 

 consider how they would better refine their agreement. Myself, I 

 think that would make a great contribution. I hope that process will 

 continue. 



Mr. Gross. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Fascell. Isn't it true, though, since we do have a convention 

 affecting the continental shelf and the rights of the coastal states, 

 that any attempt at any action in the United Nations would have to 

 take into consideration the existing convention? 



Mr. Hanna. Well, that is really true. Of course, one of the very 

 embarrassing situations there 



Mr. Fascell. The reason I was raising the question is that I 

 appreciate your concern, but 1 can't quite relate it to the situation at 

 hand. I don't see how the U.N. could act in the face of a convention. 

 I don't see how the members themselves could contravene a convention 

 which just went into effect in 1964. I agree, however, that it might 

 be premature at this point to explore a declaration by all of the nations 

 of the world on a subject upon which the coastal states have already 

 acted. 



Mr. Hanna. It would be probably a more manageable situation 

 if, in handling their own matters, they had open ended the definition 

 of the continental shelf. 



Mr. Fascell. You mean if they had affixed an actual limit? 



Mr. Hanna. That is right. That hasn't been done. 



Mr. Fascell. The only trouble with that is, there is no technical 

 limit yet. 



Mr. Roybal. 



Mr. Roybal. I would also like to compliment our colleague for 

 his presentation to the committee and for the help you are giving us 

 this morning. 



I have, however, one question. This is in regard to a study that has 

 been authorized by the General Assem.bly of the United Nations.^ It is 

 my understanding that the study is due next year. I was just wonder- 

 ing w^hether in your opinion it is a study in depth and sufficient to 

 answer some of the questions that you have proposed to the committee. 



Mr. Hanna. The gentleman picks up a very salient, interesting and, 

 I think, important point, in that in the last session, the 21st session 

 of the United Nations, a resolution did set up studies which w^ere to 

 report in the 23d session, which would be about this time next year 

 that they would be reporting on those studies. So that it seems rather 

 passing strange that right in the middle of their owm studies they 

 should be putting on the agenda consideration of a resolution which 

 makes a disposition over the matters which are being studied. Cer- 



' See appendix, p. 222, for text of resolution. 



