Mr. Da Costa Duarte to Mr. Gresham.
Washington, October 15, 1894.
Mr. Secretary: The Government of his very faithful majesty having decided to give its adherence to the regulations prescribed by the Tribunal of Arbitration of Paris which, for the effective protection and preservation of the fur seal must be applied to the eastern side of the North Pacific Ocean from the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude to Bering Straits, agreeably to the wishes expressed in the note which your excellency did the honor to address to me on the 20th of last August, has instructed me to notify your excellency thereof.
The Government of His Majesty, however, desires that it be distinctly and clearly established that its adherence is restrictive simply as regards the taking of the fur seal, and in the waters comprised within the limits traced by the Tribunal of Arbitration of Paris, this act of the Government implying no recognition on its part of any principle tending to regulate fishing outside of the territorial waters of each nation.
Be pleased to accept, etc.,