60 
sent international conventions regulate the activities and legal regimes 
eter ‘eutintal shelves of this and other countries. The seaward boundaries are 
rather inexact in delimiting the powers of the adjacent nations. But technology 
has not advanced to the point of crucial international confrontations. On the 
other hand, our scientific vessels, submersibles and aquanauts are evel now 
‘Ovi Ss. ’ 
CE one ‘the history of oil exploration on our own continental shelf shows 
that the dreams of twenty years ago are becoming a reality. We must prepare 
for the future of the high seas with this history in mind. ‘ 
Various regimes for the exploitation and exploration of the riches of _the 
sea and of the sea floor have been proposed. Much more study must be given 
to the problems involved before a national policy can be formulated. Technology, 
conservation and international rivalries, military, economic and scientific, are 
only the most obvious of the sources of conflict. ' 
The American Trial Lawyers Association stands ready at this time to co- 
operate with Government in this endeavor and to offer the knowledge and 
training of its many maritime lawyers, and lawyers with international legal 
experience to the study of these problems. We the American Trial Lawyers 
Association have already made a contribution toward developing a national 
awareness and national policy, and will continue to do so. 
We know that continued study of the practical as well as the legal and 
other problems will achieve a policy which will be consistent with a goal of 
peace and cooperation with other countries. The sea can be a place where 
wealth can be extracted for the good of al mankind and the enrichment of 
the world’s population. At the same time the uncontrolled competition for the 
advantage of any one nation at the expense of others may lead to a breakdown 
of law and of international cooperation resulting only in the further embitter- 
ment of the nations, and dangerous confrontations of power. 
We have made a beginning for international agreements concerning outer 
space and Antarctica. We must provide a rule of law which will apply fairly 
and realistically to the ocean depths. 
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 1967. 
Hon. CLAIBORNE PELL, 
Committee on Foreign Relations, 
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 
DEAR SENATOR PELL: It is a privilege to offer written testimony on your 
Senate Resolutions 172 and 186 on which hearings are scheduled tomorrow 
before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 
SENATE RESOLUTION 172 
In conformance with agreements reached with respect to the living and 
mineral resources suspended in the waters of the high seas, it is appropriate 
that the United States request the United Nations to consider (1) the problems 
of conservation and use of marine resources of the sea bed and subsoil beyond 
the limits of the currently defined Continental Shelf, (2) the issues bearing on 
international agreement with regard to ownership, sovereignty, or the free 
use by all nations of these resources, (8) proposals for the arms control and 
safeguard provisions of weapons implanted on or beneath the deep sea floor, 
and (4) the establishment of fixed limits for defining the outer boundaries of 
the Continental Shelf of each nation. 
In order more clearly to define the interests and the position of the United 
States in these areas, it is suggested that the President institute a detailed 
study of these issues within the interested departments and agencies of the 
United States. Such a study, together with the considerations of the United 
Nations, should more clearly define many of the problems of management and 
control of the resources of the sea bed floor and subsoil; through this process 
a clarification, solutions in the form of international agreements will certainly 
merge. 
