File No. 861.0145/15.

The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.

No. 367.]

Referring to previous correspondence between the Department and the Embassy on the subject of the extension of Russian jurisdiction to 12 marine miles in the Sea of Okhotsk, I have the honor to report that, in reply to inquiries, I have been informed by a member of the Japanese Embassy, that notes on the subject are still being exchanged between the two Governments.

Early in the summer Russia finally agreed to modify the application of this law, under certain conditions, though what these conditions [Page 1309] were the Japanese Embassy naturally refused to state. This proposal the Embassy refused about a month ago, by a note, to which the Russian Government has not yet replied.

Up to the present time no Japanese fishermen have been arrested, nor suffered any embarrassment, and the law has not been rigidly enforced, nor, in the opinion of the Japanese Embassy, will be, until a definite understanding is reached between the two Governments.

In conversation with a member of the British Embassy, which is kept pretty fully informed by the Japanese Embassy as to the progress of the matter, I was told that probably neither Russia nor Japan were inclined just at present to press the question.

I further gathered that this was to some extent connected with the understanding which the Russian and Japanese Governments seemed desirous to reach in regard to all questions in dispute between them.

I have [etc.]

Charles S. Wilson.