485 



There was throughout the debate a sensitivity on. the part of 

 developing countries to this new manifestation of the technological 

 gap, evidenced, for example, by suggestions that there be no 

 unilateral exploitation of the resources of the deep ocean floor. 

 In these respects, and others, there is no consensus among the mem- 

 ber states on the issues themselves, or how best to tackle them on a 

 comprehensive, long-range basis. 



The Political Committee of the General Assembly has now agreed 

 on a proposed resolution which, when adopted by the Assembly, will 

 complete the consideration of these matters by the United Nations 

 this year. The resolution would establish an hoc committee for 1 year, 

 composed of 35 members, and charged to study further the scope and 

 various aspects of the matters under debate. It would call also upon 

 the ad hoc committee to include in this study : 



1. A survey of the activities of the United Nations and its 

 specialized agencies, and of existing international agreements 

 with respect to the matters under debate ; 



2. An account of scientific, teclinical, economic, legal, and other 

 aspects involved ; and 



3. Suggestions regarding practical means to promote interna- 

 tional cooperation in the exploration, conservation, and use of the 

 ocean floor. 



Mr. Popper is prepared to discuss further the nature and import of 

 these actions within the United Nations. 



Thus we confront serious issues having to do with the scientific 

 exploration of the oceans, the use of their resources, and the avoidance 

 of conflict. These issues pose difficult and complex problems. Their 

 resolution will require very careful preparation within the United 

 States by industry, commerce, and academic and research institutions, 

 as well as the Congress and executive branch of the Government. 



The Department of State is devoting mcreasing energy and atten- 

 tion to these matters. We shall continue to consult with the subconunit- 

 tee, and with the other committees of the Congress which are concerned 

 with these matters, as we work toward a better understanding and 

 suitable courses of action. 



Mr. Lennon. Thank you very much, Mr. Pollack, for a very in- 

 formative and to me a very helpful statement on this problem. 



The gentleman from Wasliington, Mr. Pelly. 



Mr. Pellt. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



I think those of us who have participated in previous discussions 

 concerning the Malta resolution in the United Nations probably will 

 have a number of questions. 



I personally wisih to thank the Department of State for sending me 

 a copy of the statement of Ambassador Goldberg. I hope that in the 

 future we can receive any matters which you might think would help 

 in this respect. 



Mr. Pollack. We will do our best to keep you informed. 



Mr. Pellt. Yesterday, Dr. Seamans of NASA testified before this 

 subcommittee. He addressed his remarks to many of the space-oceano- 

 graphic developments. One of the questions which arose was with 

 regard to international agreements in connection with the space 

 agency. According to law, such agreements generally do require ap- 



