Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Blaine.
Washington, February 13, 1892.
Dear Mr. Blaine: In reply to your letter of yesterday, I beg to state that in my opinion the British commissioners are right in holding that they have no power under their present mandate to discuss the question of a modus vivendi for the next fishery season. Their authority is limited by the terms of the joint-commission agreement which we signed on the 18th of December last.
That authority is confined to reporting their views on what fishery regulations of a permanent character may be necessary with a view to arbitration. The question of a modus vivendi, pending the result of the arbitration, is one for the two Governments to discuss. I have certainly urged, as an additional reason for the early meeting of the joint commission, that its reports would furnish valuable materials for such discussion; but it can hardly be contended that the commissioners can properly deal with such a, question without special authority from their respective Governments.
I communicated to Lord Salisbury the proposal you made to me at our interview of the 2d instant that our two Governments should agree to a modus vivendi, and I am awaiting his lordship’s reply.
I remain, etc.,