Mr. Blaine to Sir Julian Pauncefote.
Washington, December 2, 1891.
Sir: I have attentively read your note of the 1st instant and submitted it to the President. The President is unable to see the danger, which Lord Salisbury apprehends, of a third nation engaging in taking seals regardless of the agreement between Great Britain and the United [Page 601] States. The dispute between the two nations has now been in progress for more than five years. During all that time, while Great Britain was maintaining that the Behring Sea was open to all corners, at any time, as of right, not another European nation has engaged in sealing.
A German vessel once made its appearance in Behring Sea, but did not return, being satisfied, I suppose, that at the great distance they have to sail the Germans could not successfully engage in sealing, Russia, whose interference Lord Salisbury seems to specially apprehend, will not dissent from the agreement, because such dissent would put to hazard her own sealing property in the Behring Sea. On the contrary, we may confidently look to Russia to sustain and strengthen whatever agreement Great Britain and the United States may conjointly ordain.
It is the judgment of the President, therefore, that the apprehension of Lord Salisbury is not well grounded. He believes that, however the arbitration between Great Britain and the United States may terminate, it will be wise for the two nations to unite in a note to the principal powers of Europe, advising them in full of what has been done and confidently asking their approval. He does not believe that, with full explanation, any attempt will be made to disturb the agreement. If, contrary to his firm belief, the agreement shall be disturbed by the interference of a third power, Great Britain and the United States can act conjointly, and they can then far better agree upon what measure may be necessary to prevent the destruction of the seals than they can at this time.
The President hopes that the arbitration between Great Britain and the United States will be allowed to proceed on the agreement regularly and promptly. It is of great consequence to both nations that the dispute be ended, and that no delay be caused by introducing new elements into the agreement to which both nations have given their consent.
I have, etc.,