Office of the Historian

357. Telegram From the Department of State to the Delegation to the Conference on the Law of the Sea1

Washington, April 3, 1958—1:24 p.m.

1052. Law of Sea. Under Secretary on Tuesday afternoon received following Congressmen on fisheries matters:2 Pelly, Haley, Sikes, Boykin, Rogers, Fascell. Also present were four aides to Congressmen and aide to Senator Jackson. Also present were George Johansen, Alaska Fishermen’s Union, Dayton Alverson, Washington State Department Fisheries, and Charles Jackson, National Fisheries Institute.

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Under Secretary and Becker explained situation facing Delegation at Geneva and inevitable necessity of Delegation support of Canadian proposal in order to save 3 mile limit. They explained 3 mile limit of territorial waters imperative for security purposes. Looney explained close working relationships with fishing industry of State Department.

Congressmen impressed. It is clear, however, that they will find it extremely difficult to support Delegation’s action in Congress. Pelly seconded by Sykes spoke of shifting his vote on reciprocal trade legislation and cutting down contributions to UN.

Johansen in lengthy statement criticized State Department for failure to foresee losses to US from Conference. Said State Department in last few years has been prime mover in securing world conference. Jackson praised Department for cooperation with industry.

Congressmen asked that the following message be sent from them to Delegation: “It is imperative that Delegation preserve our historic rights in fisheries and secure abstention in fishery articles.”3

Congressmen explored possibility sending House Member to Geneva on fishery matters. We understand they subsequently dropped project.

Today explored your suggestion re meeting Armed Services Committee with Congressmen from fishery constituencies. As House is adjourning today Pelly stated impossible to get the Congressmen together until after recess. He feels meeting would be helpful. We will act accordingly.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 399.731/4–358. Official Use Only; Priority. Drafted and approved by Warren F. Looney (U/FW) who signed for Dulles and cleared by Pender and H.↩
  2. Similar briefings had taken place on March 25 (telegram 986 to Geneva, March 26; ibid., 399.731/3–2158) and on March 31. (Telegram 1028 to Geneva, April 1; ibid., 399.731/4–158)↩
  3. On April 2, Dean reported that he had received a telegram from Pelly on behalf of coastal Senators and Representatives strongly protesting the “giveaway of historic fishing rights” under the proposed 12-mile territorial sea. (Telegram 1036 from Geneva; ibid., 399.731/4–258)↩