Speech #790253823

That such instances will continue to occur seems certain. especially since. notwithstanding the concern of the United States to maintain the principle of the freedom of the seas. there exist strong reasons for extending our territorial jurisdiction beyond the present 3mile limit. The marginal sea having been created. therefore. and continued in the field of international affairs for the reasons stated. it would seem only natural that title to the underlying lands should be in the Nation. recognized by other nations. rather than in the political units making up the -sovereign States. Not only are the powers of our Federal Government supreme in the field of international security and defense. but they are also supreme in the field of international relations. foreign commerce. immigration. and import duties md customs. The only powers which the individual States of our Union may exercise In the marginal sea area are those of a local or municipal character. as distinguished from powers In the field of international affairs. The right of a State to exercise police powers for local regulation over the waters of the threemile strip does not convey to it any title to the lands beneath these waters.