The Second Geneva Conference on the Law of the Sea: The Fight for Freedom of the Seas

• Published in: American Journal of International Law
• Main Author: Dean, Arthur H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1960
• Subjects: Arctic; Nautilus; Northwest Passage; Pacific; Law of the Sea; Northwest passage
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2195140; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0002930000171970

The opening of the Northwest Passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans under the Arctic ice by the atomic submarines U.S.S. Seadragon and U.S.S. Nautilus heralds the conquest of hitherto impenetrable undersea depths. Yet this event is only one of many triumphs along a new frontier of oceanographic exploration and development which is uncovering untapped sources of immeasurable wealth and benefits for all peoples. But even as we confidently prepare to harness these vast natural resources of the oceans, we must seek to achieve equitable agreements on international laws of the sea by which nations will abide. Only thus can the freedom of the seas and the right to harvest its resources be ensured without the risk of anarchy and wasteful depletion; only thus can nations avoid increased risk of strife and, possibly, war over conflicting claims to the bounty of the seas.