711.428/506a
The Acting Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Reading)
Excellency: As you are no doubt aware, the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada, appointed Commissioners to confer in respect to certain questions relating to the fisheries in contiguous waters which had been under discussion by our Governments. My Government has given consideration to the report of this conference, and as a result has drawn up a tentative draft of a convention between Great Britain and the United States concerning the Sock-eye salmon fisheries, a copy of which I enclose for submission to your Government as a basis for negotiation.4 On account of the depleted condition of the Sock-eye salmon fisheries in the boundary waters, and in the Fraser River system, I am anxious to conclude, if possible, a convention for the conservation and propagation of the salmon fishes in time to lay the convention before the next session of the Senate, which will perhaps convene during the coming summer. May I ask, therefore, that you will present [Page 224] to Your Government my wish that the negotiation of the proposed convention be taken up at the earliest possible date.
Accept [etc.]