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set the framework for this present Report of the American Branch Com- 
mittee. These activities emphasize that there are great deficiencies and 
gaps in basic knowledge of the marine environment and its resources 
which must be remedied if wise decisions are to be made. In all inter- 
national and national considerations and expressions thus far made, 
overwhelming emphasis is placed upon the need for intensified scientific 
and technical research and legal analysis. 
In light of these considerations the Committee’s Report and recom- 
mendations deal both with the procedural question of when to attempt 
revision of the law of the sea and with the two substantive questions now 
most frequently discussed: (i) the limit of the exclusive jurisdiction of 
the coastal states with respect to the exploration and exploitation of the 
natural resources of the sea-bed and sub-soil of submarine areas adjacent 
to their coasts, pursuant to the principles recognized in the 1958 Con- 
vention on the Continental Shelf, and (ii) the choice of regimes best 
adapted to the development of the natural resources of the deep ocean 
floor seaward of the areas encompassed by the jurisdiction of the coastal 
states. 
This report does not discuss military and security questions because 
we assume that the deep sea floor, by common accord, will be re- 
garded as not subject to acquisition of territorial sovereignty, and will 
be reserved for peaceful purposes. 
Il. NEED FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND EXPERIENCE 
BEFORE CONVENING AN INTERNATIONAL 
CONFERENCE TO REVISE LAW OF THE SEA 
RELATING TO MINERAL DEVELOPMENT 
After careful review of developments in ocean use, the Committee 
believes that it is not in the common interest immediately to seek inter- 
national agreement, by means of an international conference, on the 
issues of the limit of the continental shelf and of a regime for the deep 
ocean regions beyond the limit on the rights of coastal states. Rather, 
the present need is for the careful studies and inquiries required in prep- 
aration for negotiation of such agreements as may eventually be required 
as we gain knowledge of, and experience in, the marine environment. 
A number of major considerations indicate that to attempt legal regula- 
tion for mineral exploitation through a large multilateral conference 
would probably hamper rather than promote wise use of ocean resources. 
