Lord Salisbury to Sir Julian Pauncefote.
The governor-general of Canada was yesterday instructed by telegraph to publish an announcement in the Official Gazette that the modus vivendi of last year would be continued. His excellency was also requested to inform the collectors of customs at the various British Columbian ports of the continuation of the modus vivendi.
The British commander-in-chief in the Pacific Ocean has been instructed by the admiralty to take the necessary action.
I have to request you to convey the foregoing information to the United States Government, and to state that Her Majesty’s Government can have no objection to their taking similar steps.
The necessary order in council will be issued as soon as possible after the Queen’s return to England. Her Majesty is expected to arrive about the 3d of May.