The Legal Status of Historic Bays in the Light of the Works of the League of Nations Committee of Experts for the Progressive Codification of International Law

Abstract

The status of historic bays has developed over time and forms a part of customary international law. Interestingly, that issue has never been codified in international treaties regarding the law of the sea. However, it has always been discussed in the codification works on that topic carried out in the 20th century within the international organisations. This article discusses, in brief, the origins and evolution of the legal status of bays in international law until the beginning of the twentieth century. However, most of all, it addresses in detail the beginning of codification works carried out after World War I by the League of Nations Committee of Experts for the Progressive Codification of International Law, with a special reference to the legal position of historic bays. Furthermore, it addresses the questions of so-called vital bays and establishment of International Waters Office, that were also discussed during the Committee works.