Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Blaine.
Newport, August 26, 1891.
Sir: In accordance with instructions which I have received from Her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, I have the honor to inform you that the British Behring Sea commissioners have reported, in a communication dated Seal Island, August 5, that they find that this year’s catch of seals already materially exceeds 7,500, and that the United States agent permits the killing of seals to continue, assuming that the limitation agreed upon commences from the date of the signature of the modus vivendi.
In bringing this information to your notice I am at the same time instructed to express the conviction of Her Majesty’s Government that the President will not countenance any evasion of the true spirit of this agreement, and that he will take whatever measures appear to him to be necessary to insure its strict observance.
I have, etc.,