Office of the Historian

Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Blaine.

British Legation,
Washington, January 21, 1892.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, immediately after my interview with you on the 15th instant in regard to the countries who are to name the arbitrators in the Behring Sea controversy, I telegraphed to the Marquis of Salisbury that you did not insist upon the knowledge of English by the arbitrators as a condition, but merely as a desirable qualification.

I have now received a telegram from his lordship stating that Her Majesty’s Government accept your proposal that the arbitrators shall be chosen by France, Italy, and Sweden.

I have, etc.,

Julian Pauncefote.