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lished for exploitation as well as procedures to settle international dis- 
putes; liability for damages arising from the exploitation of resources 
on the deep seabed; and avoiding unreasonable interference with the 
exercise of the freedom of the high seas, or with conservation of the 
living resources of the seas, or any interference with fundamental 
scientific research. 
By “criteria for exploitation,” as I have used the term, we mean 
guidelines as to the types of resources to be exploited, the size of the 
claim, the duration of the claim, the circumstances for termination 
of a claim, the eligibility and capability of a claimant to exploit the 
resources, certain minimum performance requirements, a clear rela- 
tionship between exploration rights and exploitation rights, and 
agreed standards relating to conservation, pollution, and danger to 
human life. 
We realize, Mr. Chairman, that these suggestions and these criteria 
are as yet not precise as to their content or application. Nonetheless, 
you will recognize that our proposals have many elements in common 
with the recommendations of the Marine Commission, and that a great’ 
deal of discussion, both in this country and with other countries, will 
be needed before they can be converted into precise international un- 
derstandings and arrangements. 
These arrangements will not be effective, in our opinion, if they fail 
to provide adequately due protection for the integrity of investments, 
if they are not based upon broad confidence in their stability, and if 
they do not provide a clear opportunity for a reasonable return on risk 
investments, as well as a reasonable assurance of meeting the interests 
of all parties concerned, both among the developing nations and the 
developed nations of the international community. 
Several members of the U.N. Seabed Committee have at times urged 
a freeze on exploitation. We oppose any such suggestion, believing that 
exploitation is necessary for mankind to enjoy the benefits of the re- 
sources found in the seabeds. 
We share the view of the Marine Commission that any international 
framework for the conduct of minerals exploration and exploitation 
must give the United States and all other countries a fair chance to 
engage in such activities. 
The Stratton Commission is certainly correct in asserting that what- 
ever framework is created must seek to avoid and not provoke inter- 
national conflict. At the same time, we believe that new exploitation 
should not prejudice the eventual location of the boundary. 
We agree with the Commission that the existing international 
framework does not provide the necessary means to achieve these ob- 
jectives. This view is shared by the other members of the U.N. Seabed 
Committee. ; 
With the early introduction of a set of principles, and by present- 
ing our preliminary view on the nature of the regime, the United 
States has achieved a position of leadership in the development of 
international law for the ocean floor. 
The recommendations of the Stratton Commission report have been 
helpful to us in the development of our policies on these many dif- 
ficult and complex problems. 
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my statement. I would be pleased to 
answer any questions which you and the members of the subcommittee 
may have. 
