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 G.

[May 25/June 7, 1889]

Telegram from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia to the Chargé d’Affaires at Washington, dated May 25 (June 7), 1889.

According to your opinion, that our cruisers should proceed on the high seas to inspect and seize vessels in flagrante delictu regarding prohibited sealing, it seems to us improbable that seizures can be made under these conditions, and besides, the proclamation of the President of the United States announcing that all persons and vessels engaged in or having engaged in prohibited hunting shall be liable to arrest and seizure. The term “having engaged in” implies according to us the idea that seizure will result not only in cases of vessels taken in flagrante delictu, but will also extend to vessels convicted of having engaged in sealing, which may be proved by the presence on board of sealing equipments, skins of animals, etc.

Seeing the necessity of avoiding all misunderstandings and of insuring the efficacy of protective measures, I advise you to clear up this point without delay.