EXCHEANGE OF NOTES SETTLING THE FISHERIES DISPUTE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF TIE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN ICELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF ICELAND
No.1
The Foreign Minister of Iceland to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Reykjavik
Your Excellency.
Reykjavik, March 11, 1961.
I have the honour to refer to the discussions which have taken place in Reykjavik and London between our Governments concerning the fisheries dispute between our two countries. In view of these discussions my Government is willing to settle the dispute on the following basis:
1. The United Kingdom Government will no longer object to a twelve-mile fishery zone around Iceland measured from the base lines specified in paragraph 2 below which relate solely to the delimitation of that zone.
2. The base lines, which will be used for the purpose referred to in paragraph 1 above, will be those set out in the Icelandic Regulation No, 70 of June 30, 1958, as modified by the use of the base lines drawn between the following points.
A. Point 1 (Horn) to Point 5 (Asbuoarrif)
B. Point 12(Langanes) to Point 16 (Glettinganes).
C. Point 51 (Geirfugladrangur) to Point 42 (Skalasnagi).
D. Point 35 (Geirfuglasker) to Point 39 (Eldeyjardrangur)
These modifications will enter into force immediately
3, For a period of three years from the date of Your Excellency's reply to this Note, the Icelandic Government will not object to vessels registered in the United Kingdom fishing within the outer six miles of the fishery zone referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 above within the following areas during the periods specified
(i) Horn (Point 1) Langanes (Point 12) (Juno to September).
(ii) Langanes (Point 12) Glettinganes (Point 16) (May to December).
(iii) Glettinganes (Point 16) Setusker (Point 20) (January to April and July to August).
(iv) Setusker (Point 20) Mcoallandssandur (Point 30) (March to July).
(v) Mcoallandssandur I (Point 30) 20 west longitude (April to August).
(vi) 20 west longitude Geirfugladrangur (Point 51) (March to May)
(vii) Geirfugladrangur (Point 51) Bjargtangar (Point 43) (March to May).
4. There will, however, be no fishing by vessels registered in the United Kingdom in the outer six miles of the fishery zone referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 during the aforesaid period of three years in the following areast
(i) Between 63 37' north latitude and 64 13' north latitude (Faxafloi).
(ii) Between 64 40' north latitude and 64 52' north latitude (Snefelisnes)
(iii) Between 65 north latitude and 65 20' north latitude (Breioafjorour).
(iv) Between Bjargtangar (Point 43) and Horn (Point 1).
(v) Off the mainland in the area delimited by lines drawn from the southernmost point of Grimsey to base points 6 and 8.
(vi) Between 14 58' west longitude and 15 32' west longitude (Myrabugt).
(vii) Between 16 12' west longitude and 16 46' west longitude (Ingolfshofoi).
The Icelandic Government will continue to work for the implementation of the Alithing Resolution of May 5, 1959, regarding the extension of fisheries jurisdiction around Iceland, but shall give to the United Kingdom Government six months' notice of such extension and, in case of a dispute in relation to such extension, the matter shall, at the request of either party, be referred to the International Court of Justice.
I have the honour to suggest that this Note and Your Excellency's reply thereto, confirming that its contents are acceptable to the United Kingdom Government, shall be registered with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with Article 102 of the United Nations Charter, and further to suggest that a settlement on this basis shall become effective forthwith.
I avail, &c,
GUDMUNOUR I. GUDMUNDSSON,
No.2
Her Majesty's Ambassador at Reykjavik to the Foreign Minister of Iceland
British Embassy,
Your Excellency,
Reykjavik, March 11, 1961.
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency's Note of today's date reading as follows:
(As in No.1)
I have the honour to confirm that in view of the exceptional dependence of the Icelandic nation upon coastal fisheries for their livelihood and economic development, and without prejudice to the rights of the United Kingdom under international law towards a third party, the contents of Your excellency's Note are acceptable to the United Kingdom and the settlement of the dispute has been accomplished on the terms stated therein. I also confirm that the United Kingdom Government agrees that the settlement becomes effective forthwith and that the Notes exchanged today shall be registered with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with Article 102 of the United Nations Charter.
I avail, &c
CHARDLES STEWART.