Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1870

No. 249.

THE FISHERIES.

Mr. Fish to Mr. Thornton.

Department of State, Washington, April 1, 1870.

Sir: Information has reached this Department to the effect that it was announced on behalf of the Canadian minister in the Parliament of the Dominion of Canada, on the 9th ultimo, that it was the intention of the Government to issue no more licenses to foreign fishermen, and that they were taking every step possible to protect their fisheries.

I will thank you for such information as you may be able to communicate concerning any official action having the force of law or valid regulations on the part of the Canadian authorities in the direction above indicated.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration,

HAMILTON FISH.