489 



Ambassador Goldberg's statement relates only to the "deep ocean floor." It is 

 clear from other parts of the statement that by "deep ocean floor" was meant 

 the sea bed and subsoil beyond the continental shelves over which coastal states 

 exercise soverign rights. Thus, Ambassador Goldberg stated that "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 con- 

 sidered. 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." 



The Continental Shelf Convention establishes the regime governing explora- 

 tion and exploitation of the continental shelf. Under this regime the coastal state 

 possesses certain exclusive rights. Ambassador Goldberg's statement makes clear 

 the intention of the United States that whatever regime is adopted for the areas 

 beyond the continental shelves it should provide all states with an equal oppor- 

 tunity to explore and use this area. 



Mr. Pelly. I would like to express my commendation for that part 

 of tlie statement of Ambassador Goldberg's where he says we are not 

 ready to establish a new international organization to preside over this 

 amalgam of uncertainties. I certainly agree with that view. 



I have just one other question. I hope I am not taking too much time, 

 Mr. Chairman, but this is a matter of great interest to me. 



You referred in your statement to negotiations with various foreign 

 nations concerning specific fishery problems. I cannot find that par- 

 ticular part of your prepared statement at the moment. However, we 

 were briefed very recently by Mr. McKernan on some of our fisheries' 

 difficulties. It seems to me that where, for example, we have had many 

 of our fishing vessels seized — and there is a tremendous problem in this 

 respect involving certain Latin American countries concerning fishing 

 rights — could not the Department of State suggest that pending inter- 

 national settlement of the extent of a coastal State's jurisdiction over 

 free swimming fish — be it 200 miles, 100 miles, or 12 miles — we all agree 

 to leave the issue for some future settlement. Meanwhile, we might work 

 out some temporary arrangement based upon historic rights since our 

 fishermen have gone down there throughout history, and ask such 

 nations to stop harassing our fishermen in recognition of the fact that 

 they have pioneered the fishing resources outside the 12-mile limit. 

 Then, perhaps we on our part might agree to pay their license fees for 

 fishing within the 12-mile limit. I certainly would hope we could settle 

 this matter. 



Today, as I'm sure you know, there is a measure coming before the 

 House concerning the loan of naval vessels to foreign nations. It pro- 

 vides that the President shall — not may — shall cancel any such loan 

 of naval vessels if the foreign nation seizes our fishing vessels. Cer- 

 tainly, this is a poor way to settle disputes, but it is about the only 

 recourse open to us at this time. 



Would you care to comment on that subject ? 



Mr. Pollack. Let me ask Mr. Brittin to answer that. 



Mr. Brittin. Thank you. 



Congressman Pelly, as you were briefed, sir, on December 4, our 

 central thrust is to try to get the countries concerned to the negotiating 

 table, and some of the areas you have touched on, sir, are part and 

 parcel to what we are talking about. 



Mr. Pelly. Is historic rights one of them ? 



Mr. Brittin". We do not label it precisely as such, but we are persu- 

 ing it because of the classic period of time we have been involved in 

 that particular area. 



