Appendix 2 



A Peoclamation" (No. 2667) 



Policy of the United States With Kespect to the Natural 

 Kesoueces or the Subsoil and Seabed of the Continental 

 Shelf 



(By the President of the United States of America) 



Whereas the Government of the United States of America, aware of the long 

 range world-wide need for new sources of petroleum and other minerals, holds 

 the view that efforts to discover and make available new supplies of these re- 

 souces should be encouraged ; and 



Whereas its competent experts are of the opinion that such resources underlie 

 many parts of the continental shelf off the coasts of the United States of America, 

 and that with modern technological progress their utilization is already prac- 

 ticable or will become so at an early date ; and 



Whereas, recognized jurisdiction over these resources is required in the in- 

 terest of their conservation and prudent utilization when and as development is 

 undertaken ; and 



Whereas it is the view of the Government of the United States that the exercise 

 of jurisdiction over the natural resources of the subsoil and sea bed of the con- 

 tinental shelf by the contiguous nation is reasonable and just, since the effective- 

 ness of measures to utilize or conserve these resources would be contingent upon 

 cooperation and protection from the shore, since the continental shelf may be re- 

 garded as an extension of the land-mass of the coastal nation and thus naturally 

 appurtenant to it, since these resources frequently form a seaward extension 

 of a pool or deposit lying within the territory, and since self-protection compels 

 the coastal nation to keep close watch over activities off its shores which are of 

 the nature necessary for utilization of these resources ; 



Now, Therefore, I, Harry 8. Truman, President of the United States of Amer- 

 ica, do hereby proclaim the following policy of the United States of America with 

 respect to the natural resources of the subsoil and sea bed of the continental 

 shelf. 



Having concern for the urgency of conserving and prudently utilizing its nat- 

 ural resources, the Government of the United States regards the natural re- 

 sources of the subsoil and sea bed of the continental shelf beneath the high seas 

 but contiguous to the coasts of the United States as appertaining to the United 

 States, subject to its jurisdiction and control. In cases where the continental 

 shelf extends to the shores of another State, or is shared with an adjacent State, 

 the boundary shall be determined by the United States and the State concerned 

 in accordance with equitable principles. The character as high seas of the waters 

 above the continental shelf and the right to their free and unimpeded navigation 

 are in no way thus affected. 



[seal] Hakby S. Tkuman. 



By the President : 

 Dean Acheson, 



Acting Secretary of State. 



Septembeb 28, 1945. 



(90) 



