[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 10 (Monday, March 14, 1994)]
[Page 486]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Senate Transmitting Maritime Boundary Treaties With the 
United Kingdom

March 9, 1994

To the Senate of the United States:

    I transmit herewith, for the advice and consent of the Senate to 
ratification, the Treaty Between the United States and the United 
Kingdom on the Delimitation in the Caribbean of a Maritime Boundary 
Relating to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Anguilla and the Treaty Between 
the United States and United Kingdom on the Delimitation in the 
Caribbean of a Maritime Boundary Relating to Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin 
Islands and the British Virgin Islands, with Annex. Both treaties were 
signed at London, November 5, 1993. I also enclose for the information 
of the Senate the report of the Department of State with respect to 
these agreements.
    The treaties establish maritime boundaries between the United States 
and the United Kingdom relating to our respective Caribbean territories. 
One treaty creates a 288 nautical mile long boundary between the United 
States territories of Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands and the British 
Virgin Islands. The other treaty establishes a maritime boundary 1.34 
nautical miles in length situated about 40 nautical miles from the U.S. 
Virgin Islands and Anguilla.
    The boundaries define the limits within which each Party may 
exercise maritime jurisdiction. In the treaty creating a boundary with 
the British Virgin Islands, this includes territorial sea, fishing, and 
exclusive economic zone jurisdiction. The boundary with Anguilla 
separates fishing and exclusive economic zone jurisdiction.
    I believe the treaties to be fully in the interest of the United 
States. They reflect the tradition of cooperation and close ties the 
Parties have had in this region. These boundaries have never been 
disputed. The boundary lines established by the treaties formalize the 
practice that both Parties have followed since 1977 concerning these 
maritime limits. In establishing the equidistant boundaries, both sides 
have worked closely together in applying modern surveying techniques and 
precise technical calculations. The treaties will permit more effective 
regulating of marine resource activities and other ocean uses.
    I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration 
to these treaties and advice and consent to ratification.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
March 9, 1994.