Foreign Relations of the United States, 1902, Whaling and Sealing Claims Against Russia, On Account of Arrest and Seizure of the American Vessels “Cape Horn Pigeon,” “James Hamilton Lewis,” “C. H. White,” and “Kate and Anna,” Appendix I

EXHIBIT F F.

[St. Petersburg, March 9/21, 1894]

Note of the Minister of the United States of North America at St. Petersburg to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, dated March 9 (21), 1894.

Referring to your note of February 8 (o. s.), 1894, I duly submitted its contents to the State Department at Washington, having previously apprised them of the verbal communication made to me on the subject, and have now received under date of March 9 (n. s.), 1894, a dispatch from the Secretary of State taking up the proposals made by the Imperial foreign office as above.

The Secretary states that his reply has been unavoidably delayed by the failure, thus far, of the British Government to commence negotiations for the enforcement of the award of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration.

He also states regarding that award that it constitutes a valid obligation on the contracting parties, and that every effort is being made by the United States to give it speedy effect in all its ports.

The Secretary also authorizes me to say that the award contemplates that the United States and Great Britain shall extend joint invitations to other powers to give their adhesion to such measures as may be agreed upon for the enforcement of the reported regulations.

He also refers with evident satisfaction to the cordial character of the proposal of Russia as indicating the willingness on the part of the Imperial Government to come into some general, equitable, and durable arrangement as regards the questions concerned.

I avail myself, etc.,

Andrew D. White.