New International Framework 



After enumerating a number of objectives which a frame- 

 work should meet, the report concluded that the present system 

 was not acceptable. New principles, rules, procedures, and 

 institutions are required for the exploration and exploitation of 

 the mineral resources of the sea and for the conduct of scien- 

 tific inquiry. The Commission urged that the U. S. "seize the 

 opportunity for leadership" and make substantive proposals. 



Mineral Resources. A series of provisions were recom- 

 mended for new international agreements. Their interrelation 

 was stressed and it was advised that they be considered only as 

 a whole. The provisions were: 



— an International Authority to register national claims 

 beyond the redefined continental shelf 



— an International Fund of money collected from registered 

 exploiting nations to aid marine activity and developing 

 countries 



— registered nations would have certain powers and duties 



— dispute settlement provisions 



— creation of an intermediate zone extending to the 2,500- 

 meter isobath or 100 nautical miles, whicher yields the 

 greater area, in which only coastal nations or its licensees 

 could explore or exploit 



In the years which it would take to develop a new frame- 

 work, the Commission suggested that the nations agree on a 

 set of principles consistent with the proposed provisions. It 

 supported the principles which the United States proposed for 

 adoption by the U. N. General Assembly. The principles listed 

 below resemble in several important respects those agreed on 

 by U. N. Ad Hoc Committee on the Sea-Bed which were des- 

 cribed earlier: 



— redefinition of the outer limits of the continental shelf 



— no claim or exercise of sovereignty or sovereign rights 

 beyond the new limits 



— dedicate a feasible and practical portion of resources to 

 international community purposes 



— exploitation prior to redefinition shall not prejudice the 

 boundary's location 



In addition, the Commission recommended that the U. S. pro- 

 pose that no nation, in the inerim, claim sovereignty over any 

 part of the sea-bed or subsoil beyond the 200-meter isobath. 



The report stated that the U. S. should continue authorizing 

 exploration and exploitation beyond the 200-meter isobath but 

 with the understanding it would be subject to any future inter- 

 national agreements. In order to protect private enterprise, it 

 urged Congress to enact legislation to compensate for any losses 

 which might occur as a result of a future framework. 



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