[Demidog]

Your entire post confuses claiming of unclaimed property with claiming somebody else's property. The first is generally rightful; the second - always unrightful.

I don't believe I have confused anything at all.

You are claiming that oil, underneath land which is claimed by a sovereign nation or state, can be claimed irrespective of the land which covers it where nobody has stepped forward to challenge the claim.

I disagree. I believe that it is necessary to first secure the rights to the oil before drilling. Only if there is no controlling authority of that land (ie; it is part of no sovereign nation or state territory) may you make a claim to it. (unless the nation or state has provided specific procedures for taking posession of unclaimed land) And if you are going to make a claim to the oil, I also think you must claim the terriritory as well.

[annalex]

Nations and states don't "claim" property, individuals do. Sovereignty means area of jurusdiction, where laws made by the national government apply. Sure, some governments make it difficult for foreigners to acquire property, but unless a concrete damage can be shown to individuals from such acquisitions, such laws violate the libertarian principles of freedom of exchange.