Proposal of Her Majesty’s Government for a modus vivendi in the Behring Sea during the present fishing season.
Washington, June 3, 1891.
(Received June 4.)
- (1)
- The Government of Great Britain and of the United States shall prohibit until May, 1892, the killing of seals in Behring Sea or any [Page 559] islands thereof, and will, to the best of their power and ability, insure that subjects and citizens of the two nations, respectively, and the vessels flying their respective flags shall observe that prohibition.
- (2)
- During the period above specified the United States Government shall have the right to kill 7,500 seals.
- (3)
- Consuls may at any time be appointed to the islands in the Behring Sea, and the United States Government will grant an “exequatur” to any such consuls.
- (4)
- Unless the assent of Russia be obtained to this convention, it shall not come into operation.
Julian
Pauncefote.