The resolution will be received and appropriately referred. The resolutionSenate Resolution 491which reads as follows. was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations: Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates. in Article XII. that "everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy. in other countries. asylum from persecution .". and Whereas the Convention relating to the status of refugees states that "no contracting state shall expel or return a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race. religion. nationality or political opinions". and Whereas the forceful return of the Lithuanian seaman from an American Coast Guard cutter to a Soviet fishing trawler constituted a flagrant violation of the right of political asylum guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention relating to the status of refugees. and Whereas the apprehension of a Soviet defector by Soviet personnel aboard an American vessel and inside American terrltorial waters. constitutes an unprecedented violation of international law and international custom. and Whereas the Coast Guard command has made it clear that the decision to invite Soviet personnel to come aboard the Coast Guard cutter Vigilant to apprehend the defector was made without specific instruction from the State Department or the White House or without even consulting them. therefore be it Resolved. That the Senate of the United States deplores the handling of this Incident and endorses President Nixons decision to order a full and immediate investigation of the circumstances. and be it further Resolved. That the Senate reaffirms the commitment of the United States of America to the right of political asylum and its continuing and unconditional support for the Convention relating to the status of refugees.
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refugee refugees