No. 38.
Sir L. S.
Sackville West to Mr. Bayard.
Sir: With reference to pending legal proceedings in the cases of British vessels seized by the United States authorities in Behring Sea, [Page 1806] I have the honor to inform you that I am instructed by the Marquis of Salisbury to propose to the United States Government that the time limited for the prosecution of the appeals in these cases should, by consent, be extended for such a period as may permit of a settlement of the claims in question by diplomatic negotiation without prejudice to the ultimate legal remedy by appeal, should such negotiation be unsuccessful, and that the vessels and skippers should be at once released on security.
It is understood, indeed, that permission has actually been given to the owners of these vessels to bond them, pending appeal, provided the sureties are citizens of the United States and resident therein, and under these circumstances the proposal for an extension of the time limited for such appeal is submitted, in view of any diplomatic negotiations which may ensue having for object satisfactory adjustment of all matters connected with these cases.
I have, etc.,