842.628/512
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Canada (Armour)
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your despatch No. 966 dated September 28, 1936,95 in which reference is made to the concern of the government of the Province of British Columbia over the effect upon the fishing industry in the north Pacific area of fishing operations by Japanese in non-territorial waters in that area.
The possibility that Japanese fishery interests might operate in waters off the coast of Alaska, especially in the non-territorial waters of Bristol Bay, has engaged the attention for several years past of the Department and of its representatives in Japan. So early as 1931, the desirability was suggested to the Japanese Government of the withholding from Japanese fishing vessels of licenses to fish in Bristol Bay, into which, as you are no doubt aware, flow the rivers where are spawned the highly prized red salmon. Unfortunately, [Page 947] the Japanese Government did not find it practicable to give this Government a formal undertaking that it would take effective measures to prevent Japanese fishing vessels from operating in Bristol Bay, but informal assurances were given that no licenses would be issued to private Japanese fishing interests to fish for salmon in that area without previous notification having been given to this Government. The Japanese Government further communicated the information that so-called “floating canneries” would be licensed to pack crab in the north Pacific area and that licenses would be issued to a limited number of Japanese fishing vessels to fish for cod, hake and halibut for reduction into fertilizer and for extraction of fish oil.
In view of evidences of increasing interest of the Japanese in the fishery resources of Bering Sea, a further approach was made last year by this Government to the Japanese Government, and renewed assurances were given by the Japanese Government that no licenses would be granted for the time being by the Japanese Government to private vessels to fish for salmon in Bristol Bay. It is understood, however, that one or more vessels belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries of the Japanese Government have recently been conducting experimental operations in Bristol Bay.
The Canadian Legation at Washington has manifested interest with regard to the attitude of this Government in relation to the effect of possible increasing activity by Japanese fishing vessels in the high seas off the coast of Alaska, and it is probable that in the near future opportunity will be found for an informal exchange of the views of this Government and of the Canadian Government. The Department will expect to keep you informed of any discussions which may be had with the Canadian Legation.
Very truly yours,
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