423. Telegram From the Department of State to the Delegation to the Conference on the Law of the Sea1
2426. Law of Sea. Geneva’s 1675 to Dept., 4 to Manila; Geneva’s 1664 to Dept.2 In view statements made by various Dels re their own country’s special claims which US does not recognize, important record not give impression US position softening in respect thereto. However, unless US Del believes state of record requires specific refutation those claims, general disclaimer at appropriate point would seem sufficient. Such statement might follow line that although many of the special claims which various Dels felt compelled to reiterate pertain to matters not before Conference, US Del did not wish its silence to be construed as reflecting any basic change in US views.
[Here follow two paragraphs on Philippine treaty claims and the treaty of peace between Spain and the United States of 1898.]
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 399.731/4–1460. Confidential; Priority. Drafted and approved by Pender and cleared in draft with Arneson, Bacon, Hager, and SPA. Repeated to Manila.↩
- Both dated April 14; they discussed various aspects of the Philippine position on waters in their archipelago. (Ibid.)↩