Exhibit 23.1
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Consent of Independent Public Accountants
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As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement of United Meridian Corporation (the
"Company") on Form S-8 of our report dated February 20, 1997, included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996,
and to all references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement.


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Houston, Texas
May 29, 1997