Mr. Gresham to Mr. White.
Washington, March 30, 1894.
Sir: On the 9th instant I answered your dispatch of January 10th, in relation to the suggested Russian-American modus vivendi in regard to the fur-seal fisheries of the North Pacific, and pointed out the necessity of deferring a joint understanding, reciprocally applicable to the waters within the purview of the award of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, until the invitation contemplated in that award could be extended by the United States and Great Britian acting in concert.
Since then, as the result of conferences I have had with the Russian minister here, the way has been opened for the adoption of a more limited understanding with the Imperial Government.
I have given to Prince Cantaeuzene a draft of a modus vivendi, a copy of which I inclose in order that you may submit it to the Russian Government for its information as to what the United States are willing to do in this relation.
It will be observed that the modus vivendi is not reciprocal in its application to the eastern waters of the North Pacific and Bering Sea. Our information is that Russian subjects have never taken seal on our side of those waters, and there is no reason to apprehend that they will do so now. For that reason, the United States exact nothing from Russia in the way of reciprocity, relying on the stipulated right to terminate the agreement at will, in the event of Russia permitting her subjects to poach in the waters embraced in the regulations of the Paris award.
My telegram of the 28th instant advised you of the essential features of the proposed modus.
I am, etc.,