We are writing to request clarification of your stand on Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also known as the Law of the Sea Treaty.

In 2003, you submitted written testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee expressing unqualified support for the treaty.  A copy of your testimony is available at http://www.oceanlaw.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=64

However, during an October 25, 2007, exchange with conservative bloggers, you said you wanted to see “some changes” to the treaty and would “probably” vote against it. You declared, “I’m just too concerned about the aspect of United States sovereignty being handed over to some international organization,” an apparent reference to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) or one of the other   international bodies associated with UNCLOS.  The transcript of your comments with the bloggers can be found at  http://robertbluey.com/blog/2007/10/25/mccain-would-oppose-law-of-the-sea-treaty/

A website subsequently posted a letter, dated November 14, 2007, that you sent to an Arizona constituent, declaring your support of the treaty but acknowledging you were aware of objections to it.  This letter was posted at http://seeingredaz.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/more-straight-talk-from-john-mccain/

Since the treaty could come up for a Senate vote at any time, we respectfully request that you clarify these matters at your earliest possible convenience and declare your strong and direct opposition to the treaty.

We also ask that your sign the letter being circulated by some of your Senate colleagues asking President Bush to withdraw the pact from Senate consideration.