711.428 Queen City/99: Telegram
The Chargé in Canada (Boal) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:25 p.m.]
2. Department’s 119, December 17, 1 p.m.31 The Undersecretary of State for External Affairs has just telephoned me that his Department and the Department of Fisheries are disposed to agree in recommending that the boats be returned to the owners and that the question of who shall pay the court and maintenance costs has not yet been settled definitely. The Department of Fisheries has insisted that the entire costs amounting to about $6000 should be paid by the owners. The Department of External Affairs has suggested that each party pay its own costs. This would leave about $2400 in costs and about $150 in maintenance charges to be paid by the owners of the boats before these can be returned to them. The Department of External Affairs believes that they would be in a better position to obtain the assent of the other Departments involved and of the Governor General in Council to this suggestion if it emanated from the owners of the boats. Would the Department ascertain whether the owners are disposed to pay the last mentioned sums to obtain recovery of their boats? If so, and if they are disposed to suggest the settlement to the Canadian Government, I recommend that their reply to this suggestion be transmitted through the Legation rather than directly. It would be desirable to have an early telegraphic reply.
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