9 
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. j i 
The immediate question before the Assembly today is this: How can the Gen- 
eral 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 bene- 
fit 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 imprudent. 
But all deliberate speed and not indefinite delay is what is called for. 
What this Assembly needs is in 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 recommenda- 
tions 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 pro- 
gram, 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 expioration 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 agen- 
cies. 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 inter- 
national cooperation. 
As part of its first 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 gen- 
eral standards and principles to guide states and their nationals in the explora- 
tion 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 maintain 
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 bal- 
ances 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 existing treaties, 
including the Convention on the Continental Shelf. These treaties confer rights 
which are valued and retained by the signatories. 
Questions of arms control must also be an essential part of our consideration 
of the oceans. Complex as these questions are, they must be taken into considera- 
tion if we are to develop meaningful principles to govern future state behavior. 
The United States Delegation believes that we must seek effective arms control 
measures as part of the evolving law of the deep ocean floor and that their 
development should also come under the mandate of the Oceans Committee. 
