535 



problems could tend to make sub-seabed disposal, which would occur at 

 sites outside national territory, more attractive. 



Although ultimately a number of political factors will strongly 

 influence the viability of sub-seeibed disposal as a waste disposal option, 

 independent consideration must be given to a rajige of institutional con- 

 siderations. These include the international legal standards applicable 

 to activities like sub-seabed disposal and the organizational means by 

 which these standards will be interpreted and applied. While political 

 factors are certainly important, they cannot always be addressed straight- 

 forwardly. Political discussion of the merits of sub-seabed disposal will 

 likely hinge in great part on institutional matters — such as whether 

 relevant international legal standards have been followed and whether 

 appropriate organizational measures have been pursued. A convincing legeil 

 interpretation which is presented in appropriate organizational forms 

 could carry great weight in defusing political objections or channelling 

 them into a structured framework in which productive negotiations can take 

 place. If an adequate organizational approach is taken both in developing 

 a sub-seabed disposal proposal and implementing it, political argtunents 

 based on such extrinsic considerations as international economic equity, 

 technology transfer, and the like may be made considerably more tractable. 

 Once the preliminary legal and organizational questions have been addressed, 

 then a structure of institutions — including appropriate standards and 

 procedures — should be designed which can also cope satisfactorily with 

 such political factors. 



The following sections will consider institutional matters arising 

 out of multilateral arrangements involving the U.S., its industrial partners. 



