711.428/650a
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Geddes)
Excellency: Referring to previous correspondence regarding the so-called Sockeye Salmon Fishery Treaty which for sometime has been pending before the United States Senate, I have the honor to [Page 292] inform you that it has been deemed appropriate to withdraw the treaty from the Senate for further consideration.
You are aware of the fact that considerable opposition has been made to this agreement. I have taken note of the information which the Embassy was good enough to furnish me in its memorandum of July 14, 1921, to the effect that the authorities of British Columbia have no jurisdiction in connection with the regulation or administration of the fisheries which it was intended should be protected by the treaty, and that, therefore, protection through direct cooperation between them and the authorities of the State of Washington which it appears that the latter had in contemplation would not be possible. However, since it seemed certain that the treaty in its present form could not receive the approval of the Senate and, therefore, could not be ratified, the only practicable course at this time appeared to be to withdraw the treaty.
Accept [etc.]