Space Age Presents Immediate Legal Problems

Abstract

I speak before this distinguished assembly, the First Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space of the International Astronautical Federation, as a lawyer—a social scientist, specializing in jurisprudence. I do not speak as a politician and I intend carefully to avoid the ratiocination of the politicians—and I especially intend to avoid suggesting political solutions, the final one of which, of course, is the ultima ratio of war itself. We will leave problems of international distrust, threats, maneuvers and so on for discussion by the politicians. I anticipate that even during our own sessions today purely political suggestions will be made by other speakers, as the urge so to do seems so inviting. I will not attempt to answer such suggestions or engage in political debate.