ABSTRACT
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Liner Code Convention provides that all states are entitled to become contracting parties. A number of potential maritime and maritime law effects can be identified and must be considered as United States policy options are evaluated. United States refusal to become party to the Code is likely to exacerbate an existing problem in international liner shipping. On January 19, 1982 President Marcos of the Philippines issued Executive Order 769 according to which his government would implement a policy of cargo reservation stated in Presidential Decree 1466 of June 11, 1978. The government of the Ivory Coast is a strong supporter of the Liner Code and it has pressed other governments to accept that instrument and its stipulations. The United States may refrain from becoming a party to the UNCTAD Liner Code but, it will not be immune from the consequences of its application by those states which are party to the Code.
