BOOK REVIEWS
LAW AND POLITICS IN SPACE
Maxwell Cohen, Q.C., Ed.
McGill University Press (Montreal, 1964) –
221 pp.
As an interested observer at the first McGill Conference on the
Law of Outer Space, this reviewer welcomes the publication of this
volume which preserves in permanent form the challenging papers
and stimulating commentary and discussion that took place on that
pleasant occasion. The distinguished Director of the Institute of Air
and Space Law, Professor Maxwell Cohen, who has written an
Introduction for the present volume, is to be congratulated both for
his fine planning 6f the program and his skill in persuading so many
eminent and busy men to contribute to the Conference. This volume
will prove to be a very useful addition to the growing library of
space law.
The format for the Conference, which is reflected in the book,
provided principal papers, prepared comments thereon, and con-
sequent general discussion by the participants. Some of the excite-
ment and controversy of the general informal discussion is regret-
tably lost through the inevitable condensation, which is nonetheless
skilful, as well as by the reduction of comments to writing without
attributing them to specific individuals. If this reviewer’s memory
does not deceive him, some challenging remarks of the principal
speakers have been omitted, perhaps on second thought in light of
the commentary. Nevertheless, no reader can fail to appreciate the
high quality of the discussion.
The first session emphasized the unique problems presented by
satellite communications with particular reference to the United
States Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (reproduced in Appendix
6), and the then U.S.S.R. position that only States could act in Space.
George J. Feldman presented the principal paper. The second topic
was pollution and contamination in space. John A. Johnson, in the
principal paper, described the positions of various governments on
these questions, with particular reference to the then Soviet “veto”
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claim. The third session, on arms control, disarmament and observa-
tion in space, provoked the greatest controversy. John T. McNaughton
and Leonard Meeker delivered the principal papers. The former
stated the United States position on arms control, and the latter
spoke on observation in space. Considerable disagreement with the
views of the speakers was expressed. The final session was devoted
to “Prospects for a Regime in Outer Space”. Oscar Schachter dis-
cussed the role of international organizations in this area. Professor
McDougal gave a conspectus of the regime that presently exists as
he sees it as well as prospects for the future. In the discussion that
followed, the presentation of alternative jurisprudential approaches
to this central subject provided a fitting denouement for a most
successful Conference.
This brief description of the menu may succeed in whetting the
appetite of the potential reader. No effort will be made here to
elaborate on the many critical questions that the papers, commentary,
and discussion generated. Suffice it to say that this volume should
serve to continue the dialogue. The value of the volume is enhanced
by the reprinting in the appendices of pertinent documents bearing
on the subjects discussed as well as a selected bibliography arranged
by topic. It is hoped the volume will achieve the wide circulation it
deserves.
Brunson MacChesnay
Professor of Law
Northwestern School of Law
CASE and COMMENT
