[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[December 23, 1992]
[Pages 2213-2214]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on Whaling Activities of 
Norway
December 23, 1992

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    On October 26, 1992, Secretary of Commerce Barbara Hackman Franklin 
certified under section 8 of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967, as 
amended (``Pelly Amendment'') (22 U.S.C. 1978(a)), that Norway has 
conducted whaling activities that diminish the effectiveness of the 
Inter- national Whaling Commission (IWC) conser- vation program. This 
letter constitutes my

[[Page 2214]]

report to the Congress pursuant to subsection (b) of the Pelly 
Amendment.
    The certification of the Secretary of Commerce was based on the 
issuance by the Government of Norway of permits to its nationals, 
allowing the killing of North Atlantic minke whales for research 
purposes. At its 44th Annual Meeting, the IWC adopted a resolution 
stating that the Norwegian research program did not satisfy all criteria 
for research involving the take of whales. In particular, concern was 
expressed that the Government had not adequately structured the research 
so as to contribute to or materially facilitate the completion of the 
IWC comprehensive assessment. The IWC was also of the view that the 
Government of Norway had not established that its research addresses 
critically important research needs. Research that does not meet all 
applicable criteria is considered inconsistent with IWC conservation 
policy. In view of these concerns, the IWC invited Norway to reconsider 
its program. The Norwegian Government issued permits for the proposed 
take prior to the IWC meeting, and, on the last day of the meeting, the 
Norwegian whaling vessels reportedly set sail. Since then, 95 minke 
whales have been taken.
    I am also greatly concerned about the announcement made by the 
Government of Norway at the beginning of the 44th Annual Meeting of the 
IWC that Norway would resume commercial whaling in 1993, irrespective of 
the decisions of the IWC. The moratorium on commercial whaling adopted 
by the IWC is observed by the entire community of nations, including 
those that are not members of the IWC. If Norway, a founding member of 
the IWC, were to disregard the moratorium, it would very likely lead to 
grave consequences for the effectiveness of the IWC conservation 
program.
    I have carefully considered these developments and concluded that we 
should continue to give a high priority to working with all IWC members 
to maintain the integrity of the IWC. I want to ensure that the IWC has 
the full support of the United States in carrying out its responsibility 
to conserve the great natural resources represented by whale stocks.
    I am not at this time directing the Secretary of the Treasury to 
impose sanctions on Norwegian products for the whaling activities that 
led to certification by the Secretary of Commerce. I will ensure, 
however, that our concerns are communicated to the highest levels of the 
Norwegian Government. I am also requesting that further senior-level 
consultations with Norway and our other IWC partners be undertaken to 
ensure that the IWC's conservation program is upheld. I hope that our 
actions will encourage all members of the IWC to cooperate in its 
important mission.
    Sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. 
                        Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
                        and Dan Quayle, President of the Senate.