File No. 711.428/438

The Secretary of Commerce ( Redfield) to the Secretary of State

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I beg to quote in full communication from the Commissioner of Fisheries to me under date of the 18th instant:

The international fishery relations of the United States are in a generally satisfactory condition. There are, however, several outstanding questions that have arisen between the United States and Canada, and the early consideration of these questions, and others that may come up, appears to be desirable [Page 433] at the hands of conferees representing the two Governments. I therefore respectfully suggest that, if entirely agreeable to you, steps be taken to have a conference called, preferably in Washington.

You will recall the conferences with the British Ambassador and the Ministers of the Canadian Government on certain phases of fisheries problems having to do with certain orders in council that bore heavily upon the fishing interests of our Northwest. These matters are still pending adjustment. A tentative suggestion has been made by the British Ambassador and the Canadian officials that the conference suggested by the Commissioner of Fisheries would be agreeable to them, and that they would be glad to take up the whole subject on a continental basis, considering the interests of both countries both east and west and, so far as may be practicable, in the spirit of mutual relations. I beg, therefore, to request that if you approve, you signify to the proper British authorities that a conference on the general subject of fisheries be held during the present summer.

If this meets with your approval, I offer the further suggestion that the Department of Commerce should be represented by at least two persons, and I would suggest the Assistant Secretary of the Department, Hon. Edwin F. Sweet, and the Commissioner of Fisheries, Mr. Hugh M. Smith, as representatives. I have given assurances to the Senators from the State of Washington that the representatives of the Pacific fishing interests would be given a full opportunity to be heard, and I assume that the same is true of the Atlantic fishing interests. I should be glad to learn your wishes in the matter, remaining,

Yours very truly,

William C. Redfield