The Earl of Elgin to Governor Sir W. MacGregor.
Referring to your telegram of the 14th August, there is no question of ceding or exchanging rights at present enjoyed by community of Newfoundland. Sole object of proposed provisional arrangement is to enable discussion as to extent, etc., of those rights under convention of 1818 to proceed in friendly manner, and United States Government have been distinctly informed that it would be merely in nature of modus vivendi, applicable only to ensuing season, and should not in any way affects rights or claims of either party. I am confident that your ministers appreciate prejudicial effect on British case of any untoward incidents in course of next season, and that they will readily cooperate with His Majesty’s Government in endeavoring to make such incidents impossible. I may mention in continuation of my telegram of the 8th August that the Canadian government, who are, of course, also interested, while agreeing with your ministers on other points, are of opinion that there should be no discrimination against United States vessels as regards light dues.