Showing papers on "Internal waters published in 1988"

Arctic sovereignty: does canada own the northwest passage?

Abstract: In August 1985, the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker POLAR SEA steamed through the Northwest Passage. When notified of the impending transit, Canada informed the United States that it regarded the Passage as historic internal waters and called for the U.S. to request transit authorization. The U.S. refused to make such a request, asserting that the Northwest Passage was an international strait. The two governments consequently agreed that the vessel's transit would take place without prejudice to their respective legal positions. The author, who is a professor of international law, examines the historic background for Canada's position and the legal bases for its claim of sovereignty.