CONFIDENTIAL
No specific decision has been taken on how to treat straits g Dover). We will be looking at this during the preparation of the legislation, and will take account of what emerges from UNLOSC.
6.
As regards fisheries, we already have a fisheries zone extending to 200 miles or to the median line boundary with our neighbours where relevant.
7. We shall be consulting with the Administrations of the Dependent Territories where necessary, when the legislation is prepared.
FOR YOUR OWN INFORMATION
8. The UK has traditionally opposed extension of the territorial sea beyond 3 miles out of concern at the effects on freedom of navigation, especially in straits with a width of between 6 and 24 miles. The draft UNLOSC Convention provides that states can, claim a territorial sea of up to 12 miles and over 80 states have now done So. (France, Italy, USSR, China and Japan all have 12 miles: Our other community partners and USA remain at 3 miles.)
9.
Given that UNLOSC has still not come to a conclusion and since environmentalist pressure to extend powers over marine pollution incidents has continued, it has been decided that our intention to introduce legislation should be announced now. In practice the legislation will take some time to prepare and in the meantime we are confident that this need not prejudice the UNLOSC negotiations.
10. The baselines of our fisheries limits may have to be changed when the legislation is introduced, but this will be examined during the legislative preparations and should not affect the EC Common Fisheries Policy negotiations.
11. We do not want to draw attention to the announcement, but you should stress in answer to any enquiries the importance of the need to combat marine pollution.
CARRINGTON
FCO/WHITEHALL
INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
ADDITIONAL DISTRIBUTION
GUIDANCE -
CONFIDENTIAL