Reading Room Document

Draft UNESCO convention relating to control of the international movement of national art treasures

The document is a letter from Assistant Attorney General William Rehnquist to John R. Stevenson, discussing the review of a draft UNESCO convention relating to the control of the international movement of national art treasures. The letter expresses concerns about potential litigating responsibilities and the practical aspects of implementing the convention. It questions the practicality and enforceability of certain provisions, particularly regarding the prohibition of importing material exported in violation of exporting country's standards. The letter also raises concerns about the vagueness and ambiguity of specific provisions in the convention. The document presents questions about the potential litigating responsibilities, the practicality of implementing the convention, and the precision of its drafting.

November 24, 1969