418. Letter From Representative Thomas M. Pelly and Senator Warren G. Magnuson to the Secretary of State1
Dear Mr. Secretary: We are writing you with regard to the Geneva Conference on the Law of the Sea, because we are greatly disturbed at reports which reach us pursuant to the compromise proposal submitted by the United States and Canada. This proposal provides for a six-mile limit plus a six-mile exclusive fishing zone with historic rights to expire in the outer six miles after ten years.
Specifically, we are reliably informed that the American delegation has been attempting to “buy” votes of nations heretofore abstaining from voting, as well as the votes of those in opposition, with additional concessions and further compromises involving extension of additional rights beyond the twelve-mile limit. In short, we believe that Chairman Dean and the United States delegation propose a policy of settlement at any price. We are convinced the United States delegation is disregarding the rights of American citizens in its frantic efforts to obtain the necessary two-thirds votes required for agreement.
If the United States delegation is successful in implementing such a sell-out agreement, which would in effect abrogate the historic rights of its own citizens, it will force us to initiate legislative measures for the protection of the United States fishing industry and the fishermen who depend on it for their livelihood.
As you must be well aware, Mr. Secretary, the United States ground fish imports are more than double our own domestic production. Canada is making a serious mistake when she disregards the fact that her exports of ground fish into this country substantially exceeds the amount harvested by our own fishermen. This irreparable injury to the rights of the American fishermen by the United States delegation at Geneva would mean turning over a rich multi-million dollar industry to Canada, the production of which would in all probability be added to Canada’s exports to the United States, and our own Pacific Northwest fishing industry would be put out of business.
[Page 794]Very frankly, we assure you we will not be a party to this international giveaway. Moreover, the Representatives in Congress of the areas affected will do everything within their power to prevent ratification of any such agreement arrived at in Geneva. Certainly you can expect protective tariff retaliations and embargo efforts on our part.
Months prior to the convening of the Law of the Sea Conference, the fisheries advisor to the State Department publicly declared that the United States would compromise in Geneva. The world knew this, and we are now seeing the obvious come to pass with outright capitulation to foreign interests.
In desperation, Mr. Secretary, we appeal to you to immediately communicate with Chairman Arthur Dean and find out what is transpiring at Geneva. There must be some way of preserving our historic rights short of selling out at any price. Nations that have no sea coast at all have equal voting status with us in these important matters. At this late hour we hope that you will take immediate action and save an important segment of the American fishing industry from total destruction by the ill-considered action of our own Government.
Sincerely,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 399.731/4–1960.↩