Ambassador Reid to the Secretary of State.
London, September 6, 1906.
(Ambassador Reid states that the British foreign office proposes the following modus vivendi, without prejudice to the rights or claims of either party, and only for the ensuing season:
- I.
- Newfoundland foreign fishing vessels act, 1906, not to be enforced.
- II.
- Section 3, act 1905, and first part of section 1 as to boarding and bringing into port not to be applied to United States fishing vessels.
- III.
- The United States Government to direct fishermen to comply with colonial fishing regulations.
- IV.
- His Majesty’s Government waives payment of light dues.
- V.
- Masters United States fishing vessels to report at custom-house according to colonial customs laws, on arrival and departure from colonial waters.
Mr. Reid adds, concerning restrictions involved in paragraph 3 above, that foreign office states that prohibition of “purse fishing vessels” seines covers all Canadian and colonial waters; that prohibition of herring traps is in force in Placentia, St. Marys and Fortune bays, and in the district of Twillingate; that prohibition of “herring fishing vessels” seines is in force in inner waters of Placentia Bay and in certain waters on the northeastern coast.
Foreign office regards seines destructive and thinks these prohibitions in the interest of common fishery. The prohibition of Sunday fishing is general throughout colony and Canada.
The colonial feeling is strong on the subject. It is hoped United States in interest of pea cable, amicable relations will not countenance Sunday fishing during ensuing season.
Foreign office thinks No. 5 a reasonable requirement in the interest of both sides, involving no interference with fishing operations.
Mr. Reid is sending dispatch with full text of proposal.)