The Unvarnished Truth: The Debate on the Law of the Sea Convention

• Author: William L. Schachte Jr.
• Position: Rear Admiral, JAGC, United States Navy (Ret.)
• Pages: 129-140

VI

The Unvarnished Truth:

The Debate on the Law of the Sea Convention

William L. Schachte Jr.*

Goodafternoon. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends. Profes-

sor Mandsager, thank you for that kind introduction. It's nice to be intro-

duced by someone you truly respect. It is an honor to be your speaker today. Iam

grateful for your gracious hospitality.

Background

The Senate's consideration of US accession to the 1982 United Nations Conven-

tion on the Law of the Sea (1982 LOS Convention) 1this year, as it did when the

Senate last considered the Convention in 2004, has produced an amazing array of

opposition arguments. Well, this is America and protecting our rights, such as free-

dom ofspeech—which of course includes the right to speak out on or participate in

debates on major issues—is why many Americans have chosen to be members of

our armed forces. However, when examined, the opposition arguments are basi-

cally intellectually bankrupt. Reminds me ofthe fellow down South who used to la-

ment, "Broke? Man I'm so broke Ican't even pay attention."

In fact, Icouldn't resist the opportunity to express my true feelings at aforum

sponsored by the Brookings Institution in September 2004. After Senator Lugar's

Rear Admiral, JAGC, United States Navy (Ret.).