Greece and the Elgin Marble

     Edith Coliver, formerly with the Asia Foundation, comments: "I remember the case of the Elgin Marbles, which became a moot court case at an annual conference of the American Society of International Law, held in Washington some years ago. Law students argued earnestly and knowledgeably about the case, and the Asia Foundation supported the attendance of some bright Asian law students at the conference (I think they were among the winners of the competition). The case revolved about original ownership by the Greeks and universal access to the marbles provided by the British (In fact, the British museum rebuilt its biggest gallery to provide a prototype Parthenon complete with the marbles at which I "marveled"). The question was about who could take better care of the Marbles and provide better universal access. I think the case became real with UNESCO taking up the case."

Ronald Hilton - 3/27/00