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The General Assembly last December endorsed a study of the present state 

 of knowledge of marine resources requested by the Economic and Social Council, 

 and asked the Secretary General to undertake, in addition, a survey of activities 

 in marine science and technology. The Secretary General was also directed, as 

 part of this study, to formulate proposals for expanding international coopera- 

 tion and for improved marine education and training. In recognition of the com- 

 plexity of the subject, the Secretary General was given until 1968 to report the 

 results of his study and his recommendations. 



Through its past activities, the United Nations has already built a solid record 

 of accomplishment in dealing with questions concerning the oceans. It has been 

 responsive to the needs of nations and has dealt effectively with problems as 

 they arose. 



The immediate question before the Assembly today is this : How can the 

 General Assembly, in the light of the continuing advance of marine technology, 

 best act to encourage the exploration and use of the ocean and its floor for the 

 benefit of all mankind? 



This is a very complex matter, and any decisions we make must recognize 

 the full complexity of the problems involved. A hasty approach would be im- 

 prudent. But all deliberate .speed and not indefinite delay is what is called for. 



What this Assembly needs is an instrument which would enable it to deal with 

 both the scientific and the legal questions involved. Recalling the work and 

 accomplishments of the Outer Space Committee, my Delegation proposes that 

 the General Assembly take action this session to establish a Committee on the 

 Oceans. This Committee would : 



— act as a servant of the General Assembly in considering all proposals 

 placed before the Assembly on marine questions, and make recommendations 

 on such proposals to the Assembly for action ; 



— assist the General Assembly in promoting long-term international co- 

 operation in marine science : and 



— assist the General Assembly in considering questions of law, including 

 such matters as rights of use and exploration, arms control, and problems 

 of pollution. 



Such a committee would work with existing United Nations agencies and 

 the ENDC, as appropriate, drawing upon their experience and their resources. 

 The General Assembly should ask the Committee, as part of its initial work 

 program, to make recommendations for action by the 23rd and subsequent 

 General Assemblies to stimulate and support international cooperation and 

 exchange in the exploration of the ocean floor. 



Any extensive program for international cooperation in the exploration of 

 the ocean floor would necessarily be a long-term effort and would require the 

 careful harmonization of national programs and of the efforts of the specialized 

 agencies. Under the Marine Resources Act of 1966, the United States has 

 already begun to establish a coordinated long-range program in marine science, 

 and we stand ready to do our share in developing a comprehensive program of 

 international cooperation. 



As part of its flrst report, the Committee might provide the Assembly with 

 its views on the recommendations developed by the Secretary General in his 

 study requested by last year's General Assembly, of activities in marine science 

 and technology. 



Finally, Mr. Chairman, my Delegation believes that the General Assembly, 

 through the new Committee on Oceans, should begin immediately to develop 

 general standards and principles to guide states and their nationals in the 

 exploration and use of the deep ocean floor. All of our knowledge about the 

 deep ocean floor and all of our technological skill in exploiting its resources 

 could prove of little value, if man's law-making faculty does not keep pace. 

 Acting as the servant of the Assembly, the new Committee could study how 

 states might best conduct their activities on the deep ocean floor so as to main- 

 tain international peace and security and promote international cooperation, 

 scientific knowledge, and economic development. It could also consider what 

 principles might be agreed upon to help conserve the living resources of the 

 seas, to prevent pollution, and to avoid disturbance of the biological, chemical 

 and physical balances of the seas. 



I do not wish to imply that the task of developing legal principles for the 

 deep ocean floor will be simple. The question of definition of the deep ocean 

 floor will have to be considered. The work will have to take into account exist- 

 ing treaties, including the Convention on the Continental Shelf. These treaties 

 confer rip-hts which are valued and retained by the signatories. 



