    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 23, 1998]
    [Page 1029]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting the Niue-United States Maritime
    Boundary Treaty With Documentation
    June 23, 1998

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I transmit herewith, for advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, the Treaty Between the Government of the United States of
    America and the Government of Niue on the Delimitation of Maritime
    Boundary. The Treaty was signed in Wellington May 13, 1997. The report
    of the Department of State is enclosed for the information of the
    Senate.
        The sole purpose of the Treaty is to establish a maritime boundary
    in the South Pacific Ocean between the United States territory of
    American Samoa and Niue. The 279-mile boundary runs in a general east-
    west direction, with the United States islands of American Samoa to the
    north, and Niue to the south. The boundary defines the limit within
    which the United States and Niue may exercise maritime jurisdiction,
    which includes fishery and other exclusive economic zone jurisdiction.
        Niue is in free association with New Zealand. Although it is self-
    governing on internal matters, Niue conducts its foreign affairs in
    conjunction with New Zealand. Niue has declared, and does manage, its
    exclusive economic zone. Therefore, the United States requested, and
    received, confirmation from New Zealand that the Government of Niue had
    the requisite competence to enter into this agreement with the United
    States and to undertake the obligations contained therein.
        I believe this Treaty to be fully in the interest of the United
    States. It reflects the tradition of cooperation and close ties with
    Niue in this region. This boundary was never disputed.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to this Treaty and advice and consent to ratification.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    June 23, 1998.