439. Editorial Note
On May 14, Loftus E. Becker, Legal Adviser of the Department of State, testified before the Senate Special Committee on Space and Astronautics concerning U.S. policy on space. After stressing that the immediate need was to insure the peaceful use of outer space, Becker then discussed international cooperation and international law. He concluded by stating that the United States would “make every effort to insure that the keynote of space internationally is peace and cooperation rather than strife.” For the full text of Becker’s testimony, see Department of State Bulletin, June 9, 1958, pages 962–967.
On August 26, in an address before the 81st Convention of the American Bar Association, Becker discussed further U.S. policy with regard to outer space, stating:
“From the viewpoint of the United States proposed solutions must reflect our policy aims to develop systems of institutional adjustment conducive to long-range objectives. These objectives include the demilitarization of space and its devotion to peaceful purposes, the encouragement of scientific research and the rapid achievement of practical benefits from such science to increase human welfare, and the encouragement of international cooperation and institutions of world community.” [Page 834] For full text of his address, see ibid., September 15, 1958, pages 416–420.