626 
waters admits of the exploitation of the natural resources of 
the sea-bed and subsoil, appertain exclusively to that state 
and are subject to its jurisdiction and control."' (Emphasis 
added.) 5/ 
The conference's report, underlying that resolution, explained 
"continental terrace'' as meaning this: 
". ,. . 'Continental terrace’ is understood to be that part of the 
submerged land mass that forms the shelf and the slope." = 
In turn, it defined the ''slope'' to mean this: 
"., . Scientifically, the term 'continental slope,' or ‘inclination,' 
refers to the slope from the edge of the shelf to the greatest depths. "' 
(Emphasis added. ) 
The report made explicit just what the 20 American nations were 
objecting to in the International Law Commission's proposed restriction 
of their national jurisdiction to a water depth of 200 metres. It said: 
"I, The American states are especially interested in 
utilizing and conserving the existing natural resources on the 
American terrace (shelf and slope). 
% OK % 
"III, The utilization of the resources of the shelf cannot be 
technically limited, and for this reason the exploitation of the con- 
tinental terrace should be included as a possibility in the declaration 
of rights of the American states.'' (Emphasis added. ) 
The American representative concurred in this report and resolution, 
with the concurrence of the Department of State. a 
5/ Resolution of Ciudad Trujillo, Inter-American Specialized Conference 
on Conservation of Natural Resources; The Continental Shelf and Marine 
Waters, Ciudad Trujillo: March 15-28, 1956. 
6/ Committee I Report, Inter-American Specialized Conference, Conferences 
and Organizations Series No. 50, Pan American Union, at 34 (March 1956). 
ul Whiteman's Digest of International Law, (Department of State 1965) Vol.4, 
Pp. 837. } 
