INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 



We shall bring to the challenge of the ocean depths 

 — as we have brought to the challenge of outer space 

 — a determination to work with all nations to develop 

 the seas for the benefit of mankind. . . . 



— President Lyndon B. Johnson 



In carrying out its mission of surveying and charting the seven 

 seas, the U. S. Naval Oceanographic Office is in an ideal position 

 to promote international cooperation and to strengthen inter- 

 national good will. In fact, the successful accomplishment of its 

 mission is directly dependent on the strong, continuing ties 

 established with the maritime nations of the world. The hydro- 

 graphic and oceanographic data collected by the Office, and the 

 charts, publications, and other products issued reflecting these 

 data, have one main purpose — that of adding to man's knowledge 

 of the oceans for the benefit of mankind. 



International cooperation of a high degree is essential to the 

 success of efforts such as Project MAGNET, where there must 

 be assurance of adequate airfields suitably spaced throughout 

 the world. It is essential to the conduct of oceanographic and 

 hydrographic surveys of the high seas and foreign waters. It is 

 particularly important to guarantee full exchange of hydrographic 

 and navigational information required for the safety of life and 

 property at sea. Finally, it is essential to the development of new 

 products and new techniques. 



At the international level, cooperation consists of active 

 participation, consultation, and liaison with numerous international 

 organizations. The Oceanographic Office is a leading participant 

 in the work of the International Hydrographic Bureau in Monaco, 

 which is one of the oldest international bodies and has been 

 recognized as the principal coordinating force in international 

 hydrography. Under the auspices of the Bureau, the principal 

 nations of the world have launched a major drive to prove or 

 disprove reported doubtful shoals throughout the oceans of the 

 world and to add to the world's knowledge of the ocean depths 

 by an international effort of bathymetric data collection, com- 



104 



