Office of the Historian

378. Memorandum for the Record1 2

Washington, July 25, 1970.

Subject:

  • Convention on Continental Shelf and Seabeds

Reference:

  • NSDM 62

Al Haig called on July 23 stating that as we were aware the President had made his decision with respect to the Seabeds issue. His position was reflected in NSDM 62. He observed that State and Defense had been successful in reaching a compromise position but the Interior Department held to a protectionist position. As a result of certain efforts emanating in large part from the Interior Department an attempt was underway to try to bring this matter before the President again. He stated that the Department should not be thrown off course in proceeding forthwith to prepare treaty language for submission to the United Nation He also indicated that the White House would be informing Secretary Hickel that Interior should “cool” it.

I informed Jack Stevenson of the above who indicated that Interior has been trying to have a document submitted to the UN which would be a description of our position rather than proposing treaty language. In the meantime certain committees in Congress have also shown increased interest in this matter. As a consequence, while Jack is proceeding to develop the treaty language for submission to the UN he is also at the same time endeavoring to get Interior on board and to smooth the way with key members of the Congress.

Jack Stevenson indicated he appreciated the information conveyed to us by Al Haig. His program of action is in fact consistent with White House wishes.

Robert L. Brown
Deputy Executive Secretary
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, S/S-I Files: Lot 83 D 305, Box 3, NSDM 62-5/22/70-Convention on Shelf and Seabeds. Secret. Prepared by Brown. For NSDM 62, see Document 375.↩
  2. Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Haig warned Deputy Executive Secretary of the Department of State Robert Brown that the Department of the Interior was attempting to convince the President to revisit NSDM 62. Brown informed Department of State Legal Adviser Stevenson, who indicated his intention to implement NSDM 62.↩