it in such a way that the rights and interests of the technologically 

 equipped powers are protected, we must at the same time think of the 

 underdeveloped peoples. I do no believe they will stand for an inter- 

 national law which has been written, or will be written, which would 

 preserve the claims of a few and freeze out the many. Mankind is con- 

 fronted with a most difficult task which should challenge the imagina- 

 tion and humanitarian instincts of this country. The task is to create 

 a rational regime for the sea, which will make it possible for all people 

 to enjoy its heritage ; and, at the same time, protect those who can make 

 the greatest contribution in its development. 



How can the underdeveloped people participate? I do not know. 

 This is something for the future. Certainly the sea must not be so staked 

 off by a few, that they cannot enjoy their opportunity when they are 

 ready for it ; and we must help them be ready to enjoy that opportunity. 



In the second place, it may very well be, as the representative from 

 Malta to the United Nations has hinted, that some of the revenue from 

 the exploitation of the sea would go into a development fund to assist 

 the underprivileged people. 



I am sure all of us believe that the sea should be used for peaceful 

 purposes only. In the Outer Space Treaty which is being signed today, 

 atomic weapons or other weapons of mass destruction cannot be carried 

 on spaceships or placed on celestial bodies. At a minimum, similar prin- 

 ciples could be extended to the broad area of the sea. 



Finally, the sea should be open to scientific exploration on the part 

 of all people. In this exploration, the American Navy will play a very 

 important part as the Air Force has played an important part in the 

 exploration of outer space. But it will be in the ways of peace rather 

 than military competition. 



Finally, the interests of the United States must be protected. Al- 

 though this country accounts for about 50 percent of the world's 

 wealth, it has a comparatively small part of the world's population. 

 It cannot go it alone in the development of the sea. However, it has a 

 very great contribution to make. The President of the United States 

 said in a speech a year ago in dedicating an experimental vessel. ''Un- 

 der no circumstances, we believe, must we ever allow the prospects of 

 rich harvests and mineral wealth to create a new form of competition 

 among the maritime nations. We must be careful to avoid a race to 

 grab and hold these lands under the seas. We must be sure that the 

 deep seas and ocean bottoms remain the legacies of all human beings." 



This opens a new vista in the development of the world community. 



In conclusion, what should be done immediately? 



The present United Nations General Assembly is not going to set 

 up an agency to administer the sea. It seems, however, that it could 

 establish certain principles. It should declare that the sea and the bed 

 of the sea beyond certain limits (which would mean a fixed limit to 

 the continental shelf), are not subject to appropriation by any state. 

 I do not think the establishment of this principle should wait until 

 next year or the following year. By that time so man}^ territorial claims 

 may have been made in the sea that it will be very difficult to get things 

 in hand. 



One of the most important steps that could be taken would be to in- 

 sure that this vast area, the sea, not be divided up b}- sovereign claims 



