No. 331.
Mr. Watson
to Mr. Fish.
Sir: In obedience to an instruction which has been conveyed to me by Her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, I have the honor to state to you that, on the understanding that the draft reciprocity treaty for the reciprocal regulation of the commerce and trade between the United States and Canada, as agreed to by you, will be considered by the Senate in December next, Her Majesty’s government will await the final result of the consideration which the treaty may then receive in the Senate before taking any fresh steps with regard to the fisheries commission.
I am further directed by the Earl of Derby to add that Her Majesty’s government wish it to be clearly understood that their right to revert to the provisions of the treaty of Washington for the appointment of the fisheries commission is in no way prejudiced by the delay that has occurred, or that may occur, in consequence of the proceedings with reference to the reciprocity treaty.
I have, &c.,