The American Ambassador to the British Foreign Office.
London, July 22, 1909.
Sir: Inasmuch as under the provisions of the special agreement, dated January 27, 1909, between the United States and Great Britain for the submission to arbitration of certain questions arising with respect to the North Atlantic coast fisheries, the decision of the tribunal on such questions will not be rendered before the summer of 1910, and inasmuch as the modus vivendi entered into with Great Britain last July with respect to the Newfoundland fisheries does not in terms extend beyond the season of 1908, my Government thinks it desirable that the modus of last year should be renewed for [Page 284] the coming season, and, if possible, until the termination of the arbitration proceedings for the settlement of these questions.
I am therefore instructed to propose such a removal to His Majesty’s Government, the understanding on both sides originally having been, as you may remember, that the modus was entered into pending arbitration.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,