The Extension of the Continental Shelf and Its Importance

It is commonly held that the first assertion of the principle on which the Continental Shelf regime is based was made in the Presidential Proclamation HARRY S. TRUMAN on 28th September 1945 by which the United States of America claimed jurisdiction and control over all the natural resources of its continental shelf. The Truman Proclamation was followed by similar claims of many other States. Within a decade, a consistent and general State practice had developed in this field that other States did not object to. This is a classic example of the formation of a new rule of customary law.