608 
concession terms, as they would have if their jurisdiction were 
commensurate with a 'broad' shelf extending to the 2,500 meter 
isobath or other outer limit of the proposed intermediate zone. 
Such a zone has, however, other drawbacks, of which the most 
weighty is perhaps its sheer awkwardness. Areas subject to 
divided responsibility are rarely viable, as the history of con- 
dominia and internationalized zones in international law indicates. 
"On balance, we are opposed to this [intermediate zone / 
proposal, "' 
Comments on the Commission's recommendations 
for a registry scheme 
However, with respect to the general concept of a registry scheme for 
international claims, our 1969 Draft Report says this: 
"Under the 1968 Resolution of the House of Delegates, the 
American Bar Association is committed to support the development 
as soon as practicable of international arrangements to govern the 
exploitation of deep-sea resources beyond the limits of national 
jurisdiction. Such arrangements, the Resolution affirms, must 
assure, inter alia, 
' . . freedom of exploration by all nations on a non- 
discriminatory basis, security of tenure to those en- 
gaged in producing the resources in compliance with 
such rules, encouragement to discover and develop 
these resources, and optimum use to the benefit of 
all peoples... .! 
"Except for the intermediate zone proposal, and subject to 
the various caveats expressed in the foregoing comments, we be- 
lieve that the Commission's recommendations for a deep-sea 
regime are broadly in harmony with the principles of the Resolution. 
"We would reiterate our belief, however, that the details of 
the Commission's proposed registry plan need careful attention be- 
fore being submitted as a basis for international discussions. There 
are, in our opinion, too many loose ends and loopholes which might 
permit abuse in connection with the requirements for the registra- 
tion, maintenance and vacating of claims. We are all against a 'race 
to grab." It is difficult at present for anyone to 'grab' the deep sea- 
bed physically but the concept of registration of paper claims would 
for the first time create the mechanism to make such a 'grab! pos- 
sible. Obviously safeguards against such a possibility must be 
drawn with the utmost care, but the factual data necessary for 
