ABSTRACT
The Boundary Settlement Treaty would not actually set a boundary line, but would only obligate both countries to submit the dispute to binding arbitration by a third party, the International Court of Justice. The Canadian boundary claim is based on the equidistance principle, which would result in Canada's having approximately one-third of Georges Bank within its jurisdiction. The fishery treaty is linked to a second treaty that would provide for settlement of the East Coast maritime boundary between the United States and Canada. The treaty allows the United States to maintain a small traditional fishery for redfish in Canadian waters, while Canada may initiate a new fishery for loligo squid in US waters as far south as the Carolinas. The Canadian government has successfully lobbied for hearings as one way for the United States to show its gratitude for Canada's arranging the escape of six US embassy employees from Iran.
