ABSTRACT

In this period, the breadth of the territorial sea of Greece has not been specifically determined by a legislative act dealing with this issue. However, a number of legislation concerning navigation, customs control and fisheries, which was adopted under the specific circumstances prevailing at the time, had a bearing on the issue.

Greek Law No.4141 of 26 March 1913 concerning the Contiguous Zone for Security Purposes. ( 23 )

This Law was related to passage and sojourn of merchant vessels along the Greek shores and policing of the ports and harbours in time of war. Article (1) of Law. 4141 provided that “the passage and sojourn of merchant vessels, Greek or foreign, may be prohibited at any time and in any area of Greek seas,…whenever the interests of national defence require such prohibition”.

The Law defined the Greek Sea, in connection with the application of this legislation as meaning “the maritime belt comprised from the shore to a distance of 10 nautical miles”.

The Greek Customs Code of 1918, provided in Article (85) that “in the maritime zone 3 kilometers from the coast, the custom officers and police have the right to visit the vessels of more than 100 tonnes and demand travel documents.” ( 24 )

Post-Lausanne Period; Greek legislation and administrative acts.