47 
NATIONAL PROBLEMS IN OCEAN DEVELOPMENT 
Senator Prt. Thank you, Mr. Stephan. As I understand it, the 
President’s Commission does not have within its terms of reference, 
the international aspects of an ocean space treaty as much as the way 
the American effort in ocean development, oceanology should be met. 
Therefore I don’t think too much reliance should be placed on this 
particular group, as fine as they are, because this is not within their 
prime area of emphasis. In fact, it would be perhaps a tertiary one. 
Mr. SrepHAn. Senator, I think that it is very helpful in approach- 
ing an international problem to have studied the national problem 
and know what your position is. I believe that while I agree that their 
responsibility is primarily in the national area, I think we will be far 
better prepared to develop an international view after we have clari- 
fied the national problems. This whole area involves the reiation not 
only with the Federal Government, but industry and the States, and 
I think that when you have that national view, you are better prepared 
to approach the international problems. 
Senator Preti. Would you agree that it is important that we have 
the correct legal framework in which industrial activity in ocean 
space can safely take place? 
Mr. SteruHan. Yes. 
Senator Pret. In your view then it is a desirable end, but not an 
immediate goal ? 
Mr. SrepHan. I think my view is that it is indeed a desirable end, 
but that we should have the benefit of people who are doing I think a 
fine job, they are working very hard on this problem, to develop a 
national view which can be fitted into the international picture. 
DURATION OF LICENSE RELATED TO INVESTMENT 
Senator Peri. I agree with you that some way must be found that 
companies do not invest and lose their investment when they exploit 
ocean space. In this connection, perhaps my idea of a 10-year license 
will be too short, and the duration of the license should be related to 
the amount of the investment. Does that make sense to you? 
Mr. SrepHan. That is certainly a consideration. I very frankly 
haven’t had a chance to analyze it. The investments are enormous, 
and certainly there must be reliable and adequate protection of the 
investment, or it just won’t be made, and the people won’t get the 
resources. 
Senator Pern. Right. I think you have put your finger on one of the 
weaknesses in my proposal, that the limit, the finite limit should be di- 
rectly related to the potential investment. I am sure that words can be 
found to work this out. 
PRACTICALITY OF A U.N.-OPERATED SEA GUARD 
Do you think that a U.N.-operated sea guard is impractical? What is 
your view now, not speaking in your old role as a Navy man, but in 
your new role asa man in industry ? 
Mr. StepHan. Strictly from a personal point of view, Iam afraid I 
think it is impractical. 
