28 
heard that Great Britain, who has let the maritime affairs pretty well 
be dominated by the industry groups involved, is somewhat dragging 
its feet. Are there any other nations? Is that a correct statement; and 
are there any other nations dragging their feet in this regard ? 
Mr. Sisco. I think, Senator Pell, we can get a fairly clear idea as to 
what the attitude of the nations of the world is at the present time, 
based on the some 47 or 50 general debate speeches that we have heard 
in the last few weeks. 
We did a little analysis of them. Of the representatives, who spoke, 
23 spoke clearly in favor of the immediate establishment of a com- 
mittee, and 23 have spoken in favor of giving this committee broad 
terms of references that the United States would like. 
Then there are all sorts of reflections of lack of knowledge on this 
subject. You have a variety of proposals that have been presented by 
one country or another. One reason why we are very interested in 
establishing this committee on the oceans is that it is in this com- 
mittee that a number of these proposals ought to be examined very 
carefully. 
When you say the Soviets are dragging their feet, if you have a 
very careful look at their speech, I think the Soviet emphasis is really 
on study, the lack of knowledge, caution. I think they are extremely 
reserved on the notion of the General Assembly becoming involved, 
and the notion of establishing a committee, much more reserved than 
a good many others. 
Senator Peru. I read Mr. Mendelevich’s statement, I think it was, 
very carefully. I would agree with you, but detected through it, the 
desire to not let the U.N. get into this, and to leave it up to the 
individual nations. At least, this message came through to me. 
COMMENTS ON PELL RESOLUTIONS 
One final question, because I realize there is a rollcall vote gong 
on. With regard to my Resolution 172, as you gather, it would move in 
three steps. First, I have introduced a statement of six basic principles. 
Then I sought to refine it with a more specific resolution, and I have 
even had the temerity to think of fielding, or putting into play the 
text of a treaty with no idea that it will be adopted word for word, 
and paragraph for paragraph. 
If a few of the ideas stay in it, I will be delighted. Have you had 
a chance to look at the more detailed resolution ? 
Mr. Sisco. I have, Senator. 
Senator Pert. Would you give me, maybe, as many specific com- 
ments as you might feel able to do? 
Mr. Stsco. I would merely say that this is a useful document from 
the point of view of a number of the principles that are stated, and 
when we get to that particular stage, I think it is one that we would 
want to study very carefully. 
I think there is no quarrel whatsoever in terms of the objective, as 
I think I have tried to make very clear. It is largely a question of 
time, study, knowledge, so that the appropriate conclusions can be 
drawn in such a way that our interests, as well as the interests of the 
international community, are protected. 
