201 



We are of course concerned about the effects of the deterioration of the ocean 

 environment on all marine ecosystems and expect to participate fully in the 

 discussion of this subject at the United Nations Conference on the Environment 

 at Stockholm in 1972. 



In addition, we look to tlie world conference on the protection of wildlife 

 which will be convened in Washington in the Spring of 1972 to conclude a con- 

 vention on this subject. 



As you stated in your letter, the disappearance or serious reduction in the 

 population levels of marine mammals can affect the stability and viability of 

 marine ecosystems which in turn can lead to a more generalized disruption of 

 the marine environmental balance. If we are to preserve the oceans, and if their 

 resources are to be preserved for mankind, programs must be develoi)ed that view 

 the oceans and their flora and fauna as a totality, recognizing that the extinction 

 of one species can threaten all others. 

 Sincerely, 



Hakkison M. Symmes, 

 Acting Assistant Secretary 

 for Congressional Relations. 



September 3, 1971. 

 Hon. William P. Rogers, 

 Department of State, 

 Washington, D.C. 



Dear Mb. Secretary : As I believe you have already been informed, my Sub- 

 committee will begin hearings on September 9 on several bills dealing with the 

 protection of marine mammals. While government witnesses will not be heard on 

 that date, we will hear from them at a later date, and expect that the Department 

 of State will provide us with a representative at that time. 



Becau.se hese que.^-tious will involve matters of significant United States policy, 

 we expect your Deimrtment to provide a spokesman at the level of Assistant 

 Secretary or higher i.e., one who is in a position to dis-cuss policy matters at the 

 hearings! Presumably, Ambaf?.sador McKeman will be present to answer ques- 

 tions of a technical nature, but I would hope that Mr. Herter, or a representative 

 of his office, will also be available to respond to questions on the environmental 

 implications of these bills. 



Additionally, we have some specific questions with regard to matters falling 

 within the scope of the^e bills, as to which we would appreciate your assistance. 

 Specifically, we would like to know : 



1. What efforts have been made by or through the State Department to develop 

 international arrangements for the protection of (a) walruses, (h) seals, sea 

 lions and sea elephants (other than the Alaska fur seal), (c) polar bears, and 

 (d) sea otters? 



2. What discussions have been held in conjunction with the planning of the 

 1972 Stockholm Conference as to the environmental implications (or lack thereof) 

 associated with the protection of marine mammals? 



3. What efforts have been made by or through the State Department to change, 

 and specifically to strengthen, the authorities of the International ^Vhaling 

 Commission? 



4. Finally, with regard to the activities of the IWC, I have some specific re- 

 quests for information. It would be appreciated if you would supply us with 



(a) all recommendations to the IWC by its scientific advisors for each of the 

 past fifteen years with regard to : 



(i) the number of whales which may be taken, by species and population 

 stocks, if any ; 



(ii) species and population stocks which should not be taken; 



(iii) areas in which whaling should not take place ; and 



(iv) other suggested restrictions upon whaling activities by member 

 nations. 



(b) all recommendations by the U.S. delegation with regard to the same ques- 

 tions, for the same period. 



(c) all recommendations by the U.S. delegation on any other matter before 

 the IWC. 



(d) the responses of the IWC with regard to each of the foregoing recom- 

 mendations. 



(e) the activities of any member nation which may be inconsistent with any 

 of the foregoing recommendations, or with positions taken by the IWC. 



