327. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (Calio) to the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Department of Commerce (Evans)1
SUBJECT
- Withdrawal of Soviet Objection to IWC Moratorium on Whaling—Information Memorandum
On April 21 and April 24, 1987, a delegation consisting of Wolfe, Snead, Blondin and Evans met with Dr. V. Zilanov, Head of the Department for Foreign Relations, Ministry of Fisheries of the USSR. Several times during our meetings, I stated that discussions of allocations for [Page 919] direct take in the U.S. exclusive economic zone were not possible until the USSR removed its objection to the IWC moratorium on commercial whaling. Zilanov’s response was that the USSR did not have a problem since they ceased all commercial whaling in 1987. They did not find it necessary to remove the objection. This gesture would be purely academic since they were no longer whaling. During the latter part of the April 24th meeting, both Ed Wolfe and I told Zilanov that his answers on the whaling issue were not satisfactory. Further discussion on renewal of the present governing international fishery agreement (GIFA), a reverse GIFA or any other type of bilateral agreement would not be productive. Dr. Zilanov presented copies of two articles which stated the Soviet point of view (see attached).2 His final statement during the remainder of the formal meetings was that these articles stated the Soviet view clearly. Ed Wolfe and I said thank you and indicated there was little more to discuss if this was the Soviet final position.
On April 25, at the airport just prior to our departure, Dr. Zilanov asked to talk with me in private. He stated the following:
• The Soviet decision to cease all whaling except aboriginal was made at the “highest level,” above the Minister of Fisheries. Participation in the IWC was a sensitive issue.
• Many senior scientists with the Academy are opposed to commercial whaling. This is especially true within the Commission on the Protection of Nature, currently chaired by Professor Alexey Yablokov.
• The USSR was supportive of all aspect of the moratorium, but their lawyers have convinced them it is illegal, since it was not a recommendation based on advice of the Scientific Committee. This makes it impossible for them to withdraw their objection formally.
• He requested that we write a letter to Commissioner Nikonorov asking for more detail on the Soviet cessation of whaling. This would allow them to provide a response which might make it possible for us to remove our certification.
• He stated that we may also wish to enclose a copy of the U.S. resolution, with explanation under the same cover.
At the end of the conversation he informed me that Commissioner Nikonorov was being assigned as a deputy to Professor Alexey Yablokov. It was unlikely that he would remain the USSR Commissioner to the IWC beyond 1987.
Although Ed Wolfe was not present during the private conversation with Dr. Zilanov, he has relayed some of the Soviet response to Bob Eisenbud. Bob called and expressed some concerns about any exchange of letters with the Soviets. He did not elaborate but did state a desire to discuss the implications of such a change with both you [Page 920] and me. As was mentioned in the meeting on Dall’s porpoise in your office May 11, Dan McGovern has also talked with Bob Eisenbud.
As per our discussion, I will draft a letter to Dr. Zilanov transmitting a copy of your Resolutions on Scientific Whaling Permits.3 I will also ask for some clarification on USSR cessation of whaling, since the attached articles do not give specifics. I will also thank him for his hospitality.