1088 
Mr. Lennon. Now, at this last conference, the net result was that 
you agreed to have another conference ? 
Mr. Potiack. That is right. At least the subject is still alive, still 
being discussed, and at some point I hope we can work out a proper 
solution to it. 
Mr. Lennon. I can appreciate how the State Department is impaled 
on the horns of not one but several dilemmas, but the average citizen 
just does not understand our bold statement that we recognize only to 
the 3-mile limit, and yet so frequently these seizures are experienced, 
and they read where the fines and penalties are paid, and we go 
happily on our way. 
1 just wonder sometimes if that encourages respect by other nations 
around the world for the United States. 
I don’t know what the alternative is. I think nobody knows. But 
I am just inclined to believe that the average citizen today believes 
that the time has come for us to take some positive and definitive 
stand with respect to what we are told are our rights. 
Are there any other questions? 
Does counsel have questions ? 
Mr. Cuiinean. I have one or two, Mr. Chairman, if I may. 
Mr. Pollack, is there general accord among the agencies of Govern- 
ment on the policies with respect to ocean beds ? 
Mr. Poriack. There has been general accord on the part of the 
agencies of the executive branch with respect to the positions that we 
have taken at the U.N., so that in this regard the answer to that 
question would be in the affirmative. 
Of course, there are different interests on the parts of the agencies 
with respect to seabed policies, and there is a divergence of views 
with respect to some of the problems that confront us. 
Mr. Crrnean. On September 24, before the Senate Commerce Com- 
mittee, Mr. Train from the Department of the Interior said— 
Leases have been issued offshore California for submerged lands in waters 
up to 1,800 feet deep. Some of these have been drilied and oil has been found 
in substantial quantities. It is our position that in mapping these areas, and 
issuing leases thereon, the Department has proceeded in full accord with both 
national and international law governing the rights and interests of the United 
States in its Outer Continental Shelf. 
Does the State Department agree with that position? 
Mr. Pollack. At this point, we are supporting the rights which we 
have under the Continental Shelf Convention and international law, 
and the authority of the Department of the Interior to administer 
the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. 
Mr. Crrxean. On page 11, Mr. Pollack, you say you favor a freeze 
on exploitation. Do you favor a moratorium on claims of sover elenty ? 
Mr. Poriack. That is one of the questions which we have had under 
consideration in the executive branch, and on which there has not yet 
been developed an executive branch position. 
We are very anxious that no country at this point make any asser- 
tion to jurisdiction with respect to rescurces which-is not well founded 
in international law. 
Mr. Curnean. Beyond what point would you freeze exploitation ? 
Mr. Pornack. We would not freeze exploitation. Our position is in 
the negative on that. 
Tam sorry. I did not hear your first statement. 
