Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

348. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All Diplomatic Posts in the American Republics¹

Washington, March 19, 1958—5:54 p.m.

868. Canada in Law Sea Conference Committee I March 17 spoke in favor idea contiguous fisheries zone beyond territorial sea out to total twelve miles from shore. As great concession and solely in order to obtain agreement Conference, U.S. disposed vigorously support compromise offered by Canadian proposal (see CA–4463²) as “package deal” three mile territorial sea plus nine mile contiguous zone for exclusive fishery rights coastal state. This package proposal offers best and perhaps only possibility agreement at Conference on joint problem territorial sea and fisheries rights. U.S. cannot agree broader territorial sea than three miles or contiguous fisheries zone more than nine miles additional in view heavy defense responsibilities for free world and other vital considerations national interest. In any event only small number nations urging more than twelve miles exclusive fishing rights.

Department desires all Embassies Latin America approach host governments highest level inform U.S. decision and make effort obtain support this compromise; if active support not possible such as in case legal barriers urge at least not to oppose in order this compromise may have chance success, thus making possible solution one most nettling problems this hemisphere. Countries with legal or constitutional barriers would probably find it easier make change later if Conference agrees on this compromise. Embassies may point out that in deciding support such compromise plan U.S. guided by statements many Latin American Governments to effect they were interested greater breadth territorial sea only for conservation and exercising control resources waters adjacent their shores. There is nothing to gain point view fisheries and resources conservation by holding out for twelve-mile territorial sea which could only inure benefit Soviet bloc and detriment security free world. Use again security arguments narrow breadth territorial sea CA–4339³ stressing importance these considerations in situations less than all-out war.

U.S. Del Geneva already discussed compromise with many Latin American delegates and these intend seek instructions from governments. In separate communication initial reaction these delegates being pouched posts concerned.⁴ Cable report discussion soonest.⁵

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 399.731/3–1958. Confidential. Drafted by Luboeansky on March 18; cleared with L/SFP, U/FW, OSA, and MID; and approved and initialed for Dulles by Krieg. Repeated to Geneva.
2. See Foreign Relations, 1955–1957, vol. xi, p. 597.
3. See ibid., p. 584.
4. Not further identified.
5. Copies of the replies are in Department of State, Central File 399.731.