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Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmAs A des taux da reduction diffArents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre raproduit en un seul clichA, il est filmA A partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche it droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imagas nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 6 6 M V-, [0. KUSSIA. No. 1 (1893). ■.••■. 'i .; ■' I 'f / I' coiiri':sponi)Ej\oe RESPECTING .,j: Vi ^:^ -H' > s- AN A6REF.MGNT FOR THE PROTECTION OF RUSSIAN SEALING INTERESTS .: -'; I ■! IN TOE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN DURING THE YEAR 1893. Presented to both Housex of Parliament by Command of Her Majetly. June 1893. LONDON: PniXTED FOR HEB MAJESTY'S STATTONEET OFFICE BY HARRISON AXD SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANK, P*INT«U IM OMIKAkT TO ■<■ MAJUTT. And to Ik purrhaud, rilher directl; or throrgS ujr BookMller, Ihin EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODK, IS*»r lUaoixa Stkiit, Flkt Stkkit, B.C., UIB S2, AllMODOX St«««t, We«tiiin»t««, S.W. 1 OK JOHN MENZIES A Co., It, lUxori* Stkiit, Eoih>d««*, and 90, \V««T Nlt« SfMlT, GLAtSOVi ot HODQES, FIGGIS, * Co., Limrao, 104, QumH Srmin, Dnuw. [0.-6952] Price Srf. TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. .'^UBJKCT. Page 1 Colonial Office Jan. C, ;8'J3 .Scaling in North Pii.'ific. Inquiry from Can.idian Kcnlcri as to what watera are open to tlitm 1 2 »» » . • • . 17, Ditto. Approved MIniito of Canadian Council on which telegram inclosed in above letter was baied 1 3 ToSirH. Morlir .. 18, Traiiemits above letters. To inform Uuisian Oovcrnment of proposed reply, and ask if they have any objection 3 4 Sir U. Moricr 2.1, Note to M. ('hichkine in accordance with above instructions 4 6 It »* • • • • 23, M. Chichkine cannot reply to abote note until it has been returned from Ministry of Domains 5 6 To Sir R. Moricr .. ., Feb. 4, Approvea note t_ M. Chichkine (see No. 4) fi 7 1) tf • • . , 4, Approves Inngunge to M. Chichkine (see No. 5) . . B 8 Colonial Office .. 21. Sealing in Norih Pacific. Corroective arrangement 17 17 Sir R. Morier .. 18, Protection of Russian sealing interests. Reply of Russian Government to proposal in N->. 14. Accepts Agreement, with reservation as to delivery of British vessels seiied . . 20 )8 To Mr. Howard . . Miy 3, Answers above. Sends draft Agreement, which he is empowered to sign if Russian Government agree, lier Majesty's Government cannot admit Russia's claim to take the proposed measurn without Agreement 24 19 Mr. Howard ,. 12, Nolo to Russian Government in accordance with the above instructions , . 25 20 II • • • • „ 23, Reply of Russian (iovi!rHnient. Agrees, with certain reservations, to terms of draft Agreement. They prefer an eichaiige of notes 2G 31 To Mr. Howard . . (Telegraphic) ., 29, Arrangement accejited by Her Majesty's (rovern- nient, who adhere to reservation conuined in his note of l'2th instant. Tu address note to Russian Government . . , , . . 28 23 Sir R. Morier .. 30, Teat of note addressed to Russian Government in (Telegraphic) accordance with above instructions ,. 29 ••., I Correspoiiclonce i'o.s])0(;liii{j; an Agreement for the Protection of Russian Seiilinij Interests in the North i'acific Ocean (luring the Year 1893. Pago nn;i(iiaii 1 •• I incil on 18 bated 1 Kuitian if they , . 3 I above ., 4 until it una ., i , . S 0.5) .. s !B from v {torn G expres- H Morier'a le&auret rotection , , Brilith ^•peeling arneU of a , 13 Japanoae , , 13 •• 14 Anawcra ich Her nter 14 teh from 'ollcctora .. IC dditional os|>ective , . 17 Reply of N->. 14. aa to , . 20 which he rcrnment ot admit meaaurea • • 24 nee with 25 Hi, with reement. .. 26 (iovern- ed in hia Uuaaian , , 28 nment In •• 29 Colonial Office to Foreign Office. — (^Received January 6.) (Extract.) Downing Street, January 6, 1893. I AM directed by the Marqui., of Ripon to transmit to you, to be laid before the Karl of Rosebcry, a copy of a telegram from the Governor-General of Canada, inquiring on bcbalf of the Canadian sealers in what part of the North Pacific, especially on the Asiatic side, they may pursue their industry during the season for which preparations arc now in progress. ' Inclosurc in No. 1. ^ '~ Lord Stanley of Preston to the Marquis of Ripon. (TeleRraphic.) December 31, 1892. OWNEftS of sealing-vessels and others engaged in sealing industry in Canada ask for views of Her Majesty's Government touching their rights as to scaling during next season : they desire to know what waters of North Pacitic Ocean are open to them for S'jaling purposes, especially on Asiatic side, unci within what limits they may count upon protection. Answer urgently required, it possible by telegram, as time for fitting out vessels is now at hand. Despatch follows by mail. No. 2. Colonial Office to Foreign Office,— (Received January 17.) Sir, Downing Street, January 17, 1893. AVITH reference to the letter from this Department of the ()th instant respecting the inquiry of the British Columbia Scalers' Association as to the limits within which they may pursue their industry during the approaching season, I am directed by the Marquis of Ripon t^> transmit to you, to be laid before the Earl of Kosebery, a copy of a despatch from the Governor-General of Canala, inclosing an approved Minute of his Privy Council on the subject of the Alemorial of the sealers. I am, &c. (Signed) EDWARD WING FIELD. Inolosure 1 in No. 2. Lord Stanley of Preston to the Marquis of Ilipon. My Lord, Government House, Ottawa, December 31, 1802. ' HAD the honour to sen<^ to your Lordship to-day a telegraphic message as follo" , a translation of which is srtbjoincd : — [Sec Inolosure in No. 1.] I have now the honour to inclose a copy of an approved Minute of Council on wbicii the above telegram was based. I hftvc &c (Signed) ' STANLEY OF PRESTON. [395] B 2 Inclosurc 2 in No. 2. Report of a CommlUee of the Ilonnurnbh the Privy Council, approved by his ExceVenaj the Governor-General in Council, on the 2G/A December, 1892. ON a Report, dated the 23id December, 1802, from the ATiiiistcr of ^farille and Fisheries, submitting tbe appended commuiiicntion from owners of scaling- ve-scls and others interested in the scaling industry, it will be observed that it «a.s .)riginally intended hy the writers to send the communication to the High Conirni*-siiincr for Canada, to whom it was addressed. The Minister observes that the sealers refer to the restrictions wh'oh havu been p'accd upon their industry. They describe the limited range for their occupation consequent npon tiie closure of lioliring Sea, and express their uncertainty touching the extent to wliich the Asiatic waters nmy bo used in consequence of the action of the Russian autf.oritics during the past season entailing tiio lo.ss of property and sacrifice of personal liberty. 'I'hey may, therefore, possibly be limited, in fact, to the coast catch, with, tlmy say, the altcnialivc of entirely ab.mdoning the industry, which, they show, would entail the loss of capital, income, material and con\mcrcial connections to the owners, and the still more serious loss to the master? and crews and their families. The Minister, touching the character of tlicsc memorialists, cheerfully testifies his opinion to be that they are law-abiding subjects of Her Britannic Majesty, and entitled to every reasonable consideration in the protection of their rights. They are naturally anxious to know authoritatively the views of Her Majesty's GovcrnmcBt touching their rights, in order that they may be enabled to judge, in the approaching season, whether or not their vessels may safely be filled out for the purpose of sealing. They desire especially to be informed within what limits they may now count upon protc<:tion. The Committee, on the recommendation of the Minister of Marine and Fisheries, who states that, in his opinion, the request is most reasonable, advise that your Excellency be moved to cable Her Majesty's Government the substance of the communi* cation from the sealers, with the request that your Excellency be advised speedily of the opinion of Her Majesty's Governtmcnt. The Committee further advise that your Excellency bo moved to forward a copy of this Minute to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the consideration of Her Majesty's CJovernment. All which is respectfully submitted, for your Excellency's approval. ~" (Signed) JOHN J. McGKE, CVo7f of the Privy Council. Sir, Victoria, Xovember 30, 1893. The Undersigned owners of sealing schooners, and others interested in the sealing industry, have the honour to lay before you the following statement, which should, perhaps, with more propriety, be forwarded through the officials at Ottawa. The next season is, however, near at hand, and time is precious ; so to avoid the inevitable delay incident to formal transmission through ofllcial cliannels, we have thought fit to address you direct, trusting you will not consider that we have taken an unwarrantable liberty. We would draw your attention to the fact that not only has much capital been invested in Realing schooners, their outfits, and the machinery necessary to deal adequately with the Treason's catch, when it has been i-afely brought to port, all of which is necessarily idle and unprofitable while the existing conditions are maintained, but that a large number of men, with their families and those dependent npon their exertions, arc at present deprived of any opportunity of earning their living ; for the coast catch, which is all that is now open to us, wiihout the fear of seizure of our vessels and sacrifice of our personal liberty constantly before our eyes, is too limited in extent, and uncertain in nature, to enable us, without absolutely certain loss, to fit out vessels to engage in it alone. Even at the best it can never aiford subsistence to a tithe of the fleet. We are now debarred by the terms of the modus vivendi from operating in Hchring Sea, and recent events on the Russian side have shown that the present limits are not clearly defined. We are therefore limited to the coasts of the Province of British Columbia and Alaska up to the Behring Sea, with the one alternative of going out of the industry altogether, and all that such a step entails, the loss of capital, income, material and commercial connections to the owners, and, what is still more serious, the loss of even their daily bread to the captains and crews, not to speak of their families and dependents, who, it goes without saying, can ill atlbrd to bear such a reverse. Wc are well awBr** that llic pul.iic of Canada and En;^laii(l, far awa^ from the scene of action, have been induced by the untirin"; cll'orts of intciested perKons in the United States, exerted through the newspaper press and by otlier mean.s, to accept a diistorted account of our proceedings, and that we arc too genernliy looked upon as adventurers engaged in an illegal pursuit, to whom tiie protection of English law should be extended hut scantily, if at all. It is not necessary to remind you. Sir, that these are far indeed from the tacts; that we arc, and always have been, law-abiding citizens, desirous to do nothing rtliich might conflict with the maritime laws of England, the TInited States, or Russia, and particularly of that broader law known as the law of nations; (hat sealcra as a class arc peace-loving and orderly in their conduct, anxious only to earn an lioncst living in a straightforward fashion; and that, in the face of most difficult and disheartening circumstances, tliey have ever endeavoured to keep within the provisions of international law, always at tlir"' jwril, and too often at their cost. Wc are deeply interested to '.now what will be the attitude of the British Govern- mcnt next season, and whether wc may safely fit out vessels for the purpose of sealing outside of fiehring Sea; we are desirous of ascertaining the limit within which ne shall be protected in the North Pacific Ocean, (he Sea of Okhotsk, and the waters on the Kussiar side. In short, wc wi.sh to know where we can go, and where we cannot go, as at present there is great uncertainty on those jioints. It is of the utmost importance that we should know our position before the season commences in January next. Wo therefore beg that you will endeavour to obtain definilions of limits, and, if possible, assurances of protection from the liritish Government, and, for the benefit of all concerned, cause a telegram to be sent at the earliest possible moment to the Lieutenant Governor here, stating the result of your action. We arc deeply conscious that, in making this request, wc arc asking a good deal. The great importance of the question to us and ours must be our excuse. Wc have, &c. ,^,r ;, 1, ,,,;>=. - (Signed) E. B. MARVIN and Co. HALL, GOSPEL, and Co. • . ; C. J. KELLEY. % . ELFORD E. SMITH. * _ A. D. LAING. " " W. WALKER. D. URQUHART. BROWN BROS. The Hon. Sir Charles Tupper, Bart., G.C.M.G., C.B., etc., High Commissioner, London. , . ... ;.'..: - . No. 3. ,, ,7 :v. : The Earl of Rosebcry to Sir H. Morier, Sir, Foreign Office, January 18, 1893. I TRAXSAHT to your Excellency herewith copies of letters from the Colonial Office* relative to a Memorial received from the owneis of sealing-vessels, and others in Canada engaged in the sealing industry, asking to be informed in what waters of the North Pacific Ocean, especially on the Asiatic side, they will be at liberty to pursue their fishing operations during the season for which preparations arc now being made. You are aware that the l.ussian Government declined to join in the arrangement come to between Great Britain and the United States in 1891, and renewed in 1892, for the su.spcnsion of scaling in a portion of Bchring Sea, and Her Majesty's Government gathered from the language used at that time, and from previous published utterances of the Russian Government, that Russia made no claim to prohibit sealmg in the waters adjacent to her territories, except within the ordinary and recognized territorial limit of 3 miles from the coast. But the seizures of British vessels by the Russian authorities in Behring Sea during the course of last year, at considerable distances from land, render it expedient to arrive at some definite imderstanding of the attitude of the Russian Government in this respect. I have therefore to request that your Excellency will inform the Russian Government of the application that has been made by the Canadian sealers. You will state that, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, which they doubt not will he shared by that of • Mos. 1 and 2. Russia, tlie memorialists ought in justice to receive carljr information ns to the limita within which they may lawfully nnri safely pursue their industry. As at i)rescnt advised, Her Majesty's Government propose to inform them tliat the modus rivendi nproed upon between Great Britain and llie United Stntcs hnving hcen prohinged during the pendency of tlie Arbitration on the (|ue!>tii)ns in dispute between those two Powers, sealing will be entirely prohibited during (lie next season in the waters affected by that agreement, lint that outside those waters sealing-vcssels will be at liberty to pursue their avocation, provided tliat tliey arc careful not to infringe the lUissian Kegulations, wbidi strictly prohibit the pursuit of seals ond other similar animals within .3 miles of the liussian coasts and islands. Before making this communication, ITer Majesty's Government think it right to inform the Russian Government, as a matter of courtesy, and in order to avoid the risk of misunderstanding. They would wish to receive the earliest intelligence if the llussian Government make any objection to its terms, ond I should be glod therefore to receive a Kcport from your Excellency on the subject by telegraph, I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEBERY. No. t. Sir R, Morier to the Earl of Rosebery.— {Received January 31.) My Lord, St. Pelersbunjh, January 25, 1893. I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship herewith a copy of the note I .iddressed to M. Ghichkinc on the '23rd instant with regard to sealing in the waters of the North I'ncitiu Ocean, in compliance with the instructions contuined in your Lordship's despatch uf the 18th instant. I have, &c. (Signed) R. B. D. MORIER. Inclosure in No. i. Sir R. Morier to M. Chichkint. M. le Cotiseiller Prive, St. Petershurtjh, .January 11 (23), 1893. I HAVE been instructed by Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Aflfai's to slate to your Excellency that Her Mojoty's Government have received a Meniorrai from certain sealing captains actually engaged in preparations for the impending scaling season in the Behring Sea. These persons wish to be informed what waters of the North Paeitie Ocean are open to thenj for sealing purposes, especially on tne Asiatic side, and within what limits tlicy may count upon protection. Her Majesty's Government are nf the opinion, which they do not doubt the Russian Government will share, that these memorialists ouubt in justice to receive early information as to the limits within which they may safely pursue their industry. As at i)rcsent advised, Her Majesty's Government propose to inform them that the Ti.odus Vivendi agreed upon between (Jrcat Britain and the United States having been prolonged during the pendency of the arbitration on the questions in dispute between these two Powers, sealing will be entirely j)rabibited to their respective subjects and citizens during the next season in the waters affected by that agreement; but that outside those waters sealing vessels will be at liberty to pursue tbeir avocation provided they are careful nut to infiinge the Russian regulations, which strictly prohibit the pursuit of seals and other similar nnimaU within 3 miles of the Russian coasts and ielands. Jkfure making this communication tu the memorialists. Her Majesty's Government think it right to inform the Imperial Government as a matter of courtesy, and in order to avoid the risk of misunderstanding. Should the Russian Government make any objection to the terms of tiiis reply. Her Majesty's Secretary of State would wish to receive the earliest intelligence of such objection, and I would therefore beg your Excellency to communicate with me on the ■jubject at your earliest possible convenience. I avail, &c. (Signed) R. B. D. MORIER. No. 8. Sir B. Morier to the Earl of Bosebery.— (Received January 31.) My Lord, St. Pelersburjh, January 25, 1893. I CALLED upon M. Chichkine to-day, nnd askud him vvl-x-thor hu wus in a position to give me on answer to tlie note I hnd addressed to iiim on Monday respicting tiie Memorial addressed to Her Majesty's Cioverntnent by certain sealing captains, wiio inquired what waters of tiio North Pacific Ocean would be opin to tlieni (or sealing purposes this season. His Ivxceliency said that he would not he able to do so until uiy note had been returned (Voni the Ministry of Domains, whicii was the Depart nient whicli dealt with the question of sealing, and to wiiich it liad liecn sent. He would press its return, but there could be no doubt what the answer would be. The 1 ssian Guvcrnment were not at present raising the pretension of prohibiting bCal fi^iiing on the iiigh seas, but were only determined to stop the resolute and organized attacks made ujion tJic rookeries within her territorial waters, i said that the strongest warning would be given to Hritii-h sealers to abstain from violating Russian territorial waters, and tiiat Her Mujcsty'd cruizers would be instructed accordingly. His Excellency stated, incidentally, that he believed that in the case of the sealers captured lost season, it would be found tiiat none of them had been taken illegally, for if they had been seized outside territorial waters, it was after the clearest proof that they hud just emerged from them. I said this was a matter of evidence in each paiticular case, which I could not attempt to judge ; but that from the statements made by the lUissian cruizers themselves, it was difficult to admit that the captures were lawful. I have, &c. ' ■ •' '• ' '■ (Signed) R. B. D. MOUIKll. I No. 0. The Earl of Rosebery to Sir R, Morirr. Sir, Foreign Office, February 4, 189'J. 1 HAVE received your Excellency's despatch of the 2utli ultimo, forwarding copy of a note which you have addressed to M. Chichkine on the subject of the li nits within which sealing in Behring's Sea should be carried on during the approaching season. The note which you have aJdressed to the Russian Minister on this question is approved by Her Majesty's Government. I am, &c. (Signed) ROSEnERV. No. 7. The Earl of Rnseherti to Sir If. Morier. Sir, Foreiijn Office, February A, IsOo. I HAVE received your Excellency's despatch of the 2.jtii ultimo, recording a conversation with M. Chichkine, in which you pressed for an answer to \our inquiry as to the limits in which sealing might be carried on during the appro^iching season in tlie eastern portion of Behring Sea. The language held by your Excellency on this occasion is approved by Her Majesty's Government. 1 am, &c. (Si-ncd) UOSEBKRY. No, 8. Colonial Office to Foreign Office.— (Received February 22.) Bir, Downinij Slreel, February 21, 1893. I AM directed by the .Miiniuis of Hipon to transmit to you, to bo laid before tlio Karl of Roscbcry, a copy of ii di's;>nlfh ami its iiicloMircH from the Govcrnor-Qenernl of Canada rcRpcctiiig the iiii]iiiry of tlic Hritisli Columbian sealers aH to tbc limitH in the North Pacific, within whieli tliey may pursue llicir industry during tlio approaching season. As tbc Bcnlcrs will very soon be clearing from Britisii Columbia, it is important that Her Majesty's (Jovornmcnt should be in a position to return a reply to their inquiry at an early date, and 1 am to suiiscst that Her Majesty's Ambassador at St. I'etcraburgh nhould be instructed to press for an e.irly intimation of tlie views and intentions of iho Russian Government. I am, iS:c. (Signed) 11. n. MEADE. Inclosurc 1 in No. 8. . , , Lord Stanleij of Preston to the Marquis of Ripon. . • ' , , My Lord, Government House, Ollawtj, January 20, 1803. I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith copy of an approvct' Report of the Privy Council, submitting a communicai'on from the Britisl\ Columbia Sealers' Association, inquiring within what distance of the Russian side of the Behring Sea it is permitted to take seals, together with copy of tiic reply returned to tlio Association by the Minister of Marine and Fisheries. Your Lordship will observe tliat Ministers would be glad to know what further reply Her Majesty's Government would wish to be given to this inquiry. 1 have, &c. (Signed) STANLEY OF PRKSTON. Inclosurc 2 in No. 8. Report of a Committee of the Honourable the Privy Council, approved by His Excellency the GovernoV'General in Council, on the Mth January, 1893. ON a Report, dated the 11th January, 1803, from the Minister of Marine and Fisheries, submitting a cojjy of a communication received from the British Columbia Scalers' Assoiiation of Victoria, Britisii Columbia, an(l of his reply thereto, relitiive to the limit within which Canadian settling-vessels must not approach the (so-called) Japanese or Russian side of Behring Sea, liie Minister in this connection desires to call attention to the Minute of Council, dated the 23rd September, 1802, in reference to a communication from the Scalers' Association, touching the recent seizures of Canadian Bcalinii-vcssels by Russian cruizer?, and matters connected tiicrewith. The Committee, on the recommendation of the Jlinister of Marine and Fisheries, advise that your Excellency be moved to forward this correspondence to the Right Honouraldc tlie Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, with the request that Her Majesty's Government will be pleased to intimate what furtiier reply may be given to the question rai.sed by the Sealers' Association. All which is respectfully submitted, for your E.xcellency's approval. (Signed) JOHN J. McGEK, Clerk of the Privy Council. Appoiulix I. 100, Gorcrnmcnl Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Sir, Janiiitri/ 3, 1893. 11KFKUI!IN(} to our letter of the 8th .Scptemlxrr, 1892, in whicli we retjuesteJ that the Imperial Govuriiiiu'iit would define our riglit.s in tlu! Ho-callcd Knssiun or western portion of Helirinj} Sea, and also alford us armed protection in the e.xercise of tlio.fe rights, and to your reply of the IGth of the unmi' iiiniitli, in wliiih yon infdiiiicil us llmt iiikIit tlic Trnity of 182.') Ix'twccti HiiKHin niiil Orent llritjiiii W(! wi'nt frci' to |iiiisim mir vnyiitjc.t iiiid Mcal-lniiitiii;,' in llmsr whIci'n, wc imiw liavn tlie liuiiiiiir, (III iM'lialf 111' till' Mi'illNli ('iiliiiiiliiii Si'iiIith' ;\H!iuii'Hu iiiiil KuHNinn Niili* of tlii' srn. We would tlirri'fore rcspcitfiilly iisk you to my wliiit tlic liiiiil is within wliicli wo must not roiiili .la|iiini'Hi imiiliciil inilrN I n|i|iroui'li .la|iuni'Hi' anil JtuHsian trrritory. ■oil to my wjiat t Is it 1 Irat'iii' — H nniitiiiil mill's, or is it ;i leagues — We take lenvo, nt tlio name timo, ngain moHt urfjently to nr^r lliat wo mny bo nfToriloiI iinvol |)ri)lt'Clioii in tlm cxi'irisd nf our ri^'litH. if not iiri'ViMitin^' Ncizurrs, it woiilil bo n preat ailvniitnKO to us that thi'iij mIioiiIiI br (lisinteri'slnl and olliciai witiussi's of our inorri'ilings, and woiiM at l«a»t protect us from insult iinil robbery siiili qs we snU'ered in 1S'J2. We have, Ac. (Si-iicd) .lOII.V (). COX, I'raidoil. Jlrilish Culuinhm SmUra' A.^^Dcialion. (.Hi-ned) Jlll'llAIU) IIAI :., fiecrelari/, JJritisli Columbia Hfiilers' Aaociation. The Hun. iho MiuUter of Murine and FishcrieR, Ottawa, &c. &c. &i. From Victoria. BriliA Columbia, "Daily Cvlonisi" of Januarg 3, 1893. Of Interest to Sealing-nicn. Japanese papers received by the Xorthorn I'ac'ific liner " Tacoma " contoin the following Kolicc, which will be read with interest by all idenlilied with the sealing industry : — " Masters nnd owners of liritish vessels arc, hy instnution of Her Majesty's (lovcrnmcnt, hereby warned that vessels atteniiitiiig to pursue seals ^r fur-ottei-s in the Jiussiaii territorial waters without special licence uru liable to seizure and conliseation, ond go at their own risk." British Consulate, Yokohama, Iteceniber 10, 1892. (Signed) .TAMKS TROUP, i/er Britannic Majtaty'a Cvntul —-»♦■- .. -r-' From the Victoria, British Columbia, "Daily Colonint " of Dectinbcr 14, 1892. The .San Francisco correspondent of the " Fur Trade Ileview " (New York) prints tlie following in the December issue of that well-known trade magazine: — " That was ipiito a sensational story which was brought out at Victoria to the effect thot Captoiu de Levron, of the cniizer ' Zabiaka,' the vessel which made nearly all of the seizures on the Itussiiiu coast this year, had been declared insane and relieved of his commission. It was interpreted by some of the Victoria selling men as an eff -t on liussia's part to shift the responsibility for the Captain's octions, and as a clear evidence of bativdown. "They are in great hopes of receiving compensation from Russia for the seizures made, hut it will not be long before they realize that there is no such good luck in store for them. " In the firat jdaco, Captain de I.evron is not insane (as his arrival here a few days ago fully established), and he was not removed on account of having made too many seizures, but for the reasou that he neglected his duty in not having gathered in more of the illegitimate hunters. " It was proven against him that on two distinct occasions he ran into harbour, once for ten days, and again for fifteen days, dining the height of the sealing season, when the poachers were as thick as bees on the forbidden grounds. " This offence has been considered so great in the eyes of the .lir.ssian Government that De Levron's commission has been permanently revoked, and ho will never again be givoi; command o( any vessel sailing under the Russian flag. The Captain arrived in this city on the st.-50i"er " City of I'cking " from .Japan, and will go direct to St. retersbuigh." The same corre.spondent also gives the catch of the American sealing-flect for 1892 as follows : — CItjr of S>n Dit-go Louis G. Olw^u . . Kuse Sparki • » E. E. Wt'bsler .. Activfl ,, •> Ivanhoe, . . • C. G. White F^^ihie Suthfirlind Matter T. I);er . . LillieU Bowhead •, [395J 6SS 1,342 4S7 2.172 41 1,287 988 1.C03 1,187 i80 1,813 Kmtua nitJ LotiiM lli*iiry Dfnnii ., Knte ami Aotiir ,• La Ntnfa Willartl Aiiiiworth Anacniida . . L'ndauiiU-d . , Dawn . . . . Emmet and Felitx Allie I. Al»,'>'r Maria III Anaconda «, G«or((e While C. il. Wliile (iriird). Caico . , Hm Diffo . . Total 'i3,C
  • nautical miles from their iea])ective coasts, I am of llie opinion that, in view of thi' ■■ ■: No. 10. Sir R. Morier to the Eml oj liosebenj. — {Received Febrnunj 28 ) My Lord, St. Petersburgh, February 25, 1893. WITH reference to my despatch of the 25th ultimo, I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship herewitli a copy of a note I liave just received from the Russian Government, in reply to mine of the 11th (23rd) ultimo, on the subject of sealing in the North Pacific. I liavc, &c. (Signed) R. B. D. MOllIER. 1, and I noti' Inclosure in No. 10. ' , M, Cbiclildnc to Sir R. Morier. Minislere des Affaires Etrangeres, M. I'Ambassadeur, le 12 (21) Vevrier, 1893. I'AR votre note du 11 (23) .Tanvier, vous avez bicn voulu m'informor que plusieurs capitaincs do navires destines k la chasse des otaries dans la Mer de Behring ayant demando a 6trc ronseigncs sur les limites dans lesquelles il leur serait loisible do pratiqucrlcur Industrie, lo flouvcrnement Britannique sc projjosait do leur repondro que la chasse aux otaries vcsterait jusqu'ti nouvel ordro compl^tement iuterdite (?ans l(\s limites dc la ligne de demarcation convcnuc en 1891 eiitre TAngleterre et les Ktats- Unis d'Araerique, mais qu'eUe etait li])re en dehors do ccs limites, sauf ies eauT. territorialcs de la Bussie. En niemc temps, votro Excellence m'a demand«j do lui commuuiqucr les objections evcntuelles que Ic Gouvernement Imperial pourrait 6tre dans le eas de former contre cette declaration. Tout en vous remereiant, M. I'Ambassadeur, de cette deuiareho dont le Gouverne- ment Imperial prend actc, je ni'cmpressc de vous informer (]ue la question des mesures il prendre pour empdcher la destruction de la race des otaries ayant etc dcpuis (juclque temps misc a I'dtude, j'ai di\ attendre les resultats preliminaires dc ce travail pour rcpondre a la note cpie vous avez bien voulu m'adresser. En abordant aujourd'hui la question de la cliasse aux otaries, jo crois devoir, avant tout, fairc observer a votre Excellence ([uc rinsuHisaueo de la strictc application en ei^tte matiere des regies genei-ales du droit des gens relative aux eaux territorialcs, a et^ (lemoutres par Ic fait memc des negociations ouvertes di's 1887 entro les trois I'uissauces principalement intt'-rcssees dans le but do convenir des mesures speciales et exceptionnelles. La ndcessito de telles mesures a ete, depuis, confirmee par rentonte Anglo- Amdricaine etablie en 1891. En se pretant a ces pountarlers et a cette entente, le Gouvernement Britanniijue a ]ui-nu"'me admis I'opportunitc d'uue derogation eventucUe aux regies g(5nerales du droit international. XIn point sur lequel il in'iiorterait oiisuited'atti"or tout partieuliercmont I'attention (111 Uoiivernement Britanuiqi le est celui de la situation absolunient anonnale et cxcep- tionucllo crdce pour les iiitei Ms Russci ])ar les stipulations Anglo-Amcrieaines, Au fait, la prohibition de la ehas^*.: dans les limites tracees par le modus vivendi eonvenii en 1891 a eu pour resultat d'augmenter la destruction des otaries sur les cotes Riisses dans line projtortion telle que la disparition complt-to de cette race n'y serait plus qu'une iiuestion dc pen de temps, si des mesiire« d- protection eflicaces u'ctaieut prises sans retard. . ,,, . n ■ Les chiffres suivauts le demoutrcut 'daireiuciit :— Le nombro des otaries ii tuer annuellcinent I'-taiit 11x6 par rAdmiuistratiou pro- port ionnellemcnt a leur quantite, les imiu'es d(; 1889 a 1890, avant retablissemeut du modus vivendi Angio-Amerieain, out doune les cliitTres du 55,915 et 56,833, tandis que I)our ks ann(5es 1891 et 1892, apr6s I'ententc susmentionn^e ces chitfres sont tombd a 30,089 et 31,315. D'autre part, d'apiC^s los donnces staiistiques que le GouVernemeiit Imperial a pu se procurer, la quantity des peaux d'otaries, de provenance llussc, livrd-e par los chasseurs sur le mareh6 do Londiea s'est par contre accrue pendant ces deux anndcs dans \ine proportion inftnimcut plus considerable. Le jiombre des navires s'occupant dc la chasse ct apc)(;u8 daus les alentours des lies Komaudoi-sky et Tulonew [395] C 2 10 (Ilobben TsImimI) aurait aussi auf?incntc considurablcmont, scion l»js observations faites par rAdininistratioa locale. Jjcs proccdcs sauvai^es ct illicitos do cos chasseurs rcssortent d'aillours du fait avert! par los saisies que phis de 90 jjour cent des peaui d'otariiisoniportdes par eux sont cellos d'otarics femelles qui nc s'dloij^nent gu6rc a uiio prande dishincc de la cote pendant la saison de la chassc et dont la destruction cntralne cclle de tous lea petits qu'ellcs nourrissont. Le nombrc d'otarics bless6es ou aban- donnecs aur la c6tc ou dans les caux tcrritorialcs ct retrouvees cnsuitc par Ics autorites locales constate dgalcment Ic caract^rc destructeur de la chassc. Dans cct etat de choses, nous nous croyons justiiics, il. TAmbassadcur, en cxprimant notre cntiilsrc confiancc quo le Gouveriiemcnt Britanniquo admettra I'lirijcncc de mcsnrcs rcstrlctives en attendant qu'une rcglcmentation intcrnationale de la chasse aux otarics 2'uisse etro ct^vblic entre les Tuissances principalement int<^ressces. Le Gouvcrnement Imperial pour sa part n'hdsitc pas h rcconnaitrc quo la protec- tion nc sauralt etre cxerceo d'unc manidrc vraiment efllcace qu'i\ la suite d'un tcl accord. En consequence il est disjjose, dt'-s h present, ii entrer dans ce but en pour- parlers avcc les Gouvcrnements de la Grandc-l$retagnc ct des Ktats-Unis d'Amdriquc ; mais il leconnalt en in6me temps la neccssite absoluedc mesures provisoircs imm^diatcs tant !> cause dc la proximite de I'ouverture de la saison de chassc, quo pour 6tro fi m6me dc repondre, en temps utile, k la question posdo dans la note dc voire Excellence du 11 (23) Janvier. A cct cffct, ct d'apr^s un cxamcn approfondi, Ic Gouvcrnement Imperial a cru necessairc d'arr6ter les mesures suivantes qui seraicnt applicables pour I'aundc 1893 : — 1. La chassc aux otaries sera proliibee ])our tout navirc n'ctant pas muni d'uno autorisation spdciale, a une distance dc 10 milles Ic long do tout le littoral appartenant h la Russic. 2. Cctte zone prohibee'scra de 30 rallies autour des lies Komandorsky et TuWncw (Robin Island) selon les cartes officielles llussos, cc qui impliquc la fermeturo pour les navires s'occupant dc la chassc aux otaries du ddtroit entre les lies Komandorsky. Ces mesures seraicnt justifiees en cc qui concernc la zone de 10 milles lo long du littoral par ce fait quo les navires s'occupant de la chasse aux otarics stationnent g6n6ralement a une distance de 7 a 9 milles dc la c6te, tandis que leurs chaloupes et leur dquipage so livrent h la chassc tan I. sur la c6tc m6me que dans les eaux tcrritorialcs ; aussit6t qu'nn croiseur est signald au loin, les navires prennent Ic large, et tAchent dc rappeler leurs embarcations en dehors des caux tcrritorialcs. Pour ce qui concernc la zone dc 30 milles autour des lies, cctte mcsure est motivee par la ndccsaitd de proteger les bancs designds par les chasseurs sous le nom de "sealing grounds" qui .se trouvent autour des lies et nc sont pas suffisamment prdcisds sur les cartes. Ces bancs servcnt dans certaines saisons de station aux femelles dont la chasse est particuiii^remcnt destructive pour la race des otarics k I'dpoquo do I'anndc ou les fcmel''-'-- iiourr'sscnt leurs petits ou vont leur chercher la nourriture sur les bancs dit " sealing grounds." En vous priant, AI. I'Ambassadeur, do porter ce qui prdcMc h la connaissance du Gouvcrnement Britannlque, jc crois utile d'insister sur le caract^rc essenticUement provisoirc des mesures susmentionndos, qui sont arrfitees sous la pression do circon- stances "ccptionnellos, pouvant 6trc reconnucs commc uu cas do force majeure et asEimiltx:> aux cas de defense legitime. II n'entre, bicn cnfendu, en aucunc fa^on dans I'intention du Gouvemement Imperial de con tester les regies gdndralcment r('c;nnues quant aux eaux tcrritorialcs. Dans sa pens6c, loin dc porter attcinte il ces principes gcndraux du droit des gens, les mesures qu'il croit ndcossaire dc prendre doivent, au contrairc, les conflrmer comme I'exception confirmc la r^gle. Le poids des arguments ci-dessus dcveloppds n'dchappera certainemcnt pas i\ I'apprdciation dchiiree du Gouvcrnement Britanniquo, et j'ai la ferme confianco qu'il nc se refusera pas dc prendre rclativcment aux navires Anglais destinds it la chusse des otaries des dispositions conformes aux mesures quo le Gouvemement Impdrial se propose do prendre pour I'annde 1893. Be son cAtd, le Gouvcrnement Imperial nc manquera pas do doimcr il ces mesures, en temps utile, la publicitd qu'ellea comportcnt. En outre et afin de prdvenir dans la mesurc du possible, des malcutendus ct des contestations en cas d'infraction aux mesures provisoircs ci-dessus ainsi qu'aux regies gdndralcs du droit des gens, les croisours dc la marine Impdrialo aussi bicn que les autoritds locales scrout munis d'iustructious prdcisos dufinitisaut ncttomont les cas oil 11 Ic droit dc poursuito, de visitc et do saisio dcs uavircs en contravcntiQii dcvrait etro cxcrcrt. Comme il n, {•W', avih-c qun tout on sn tonant en dcliors dos oiux t^rritorialcs et qu?lquefois memo h mw, distiiiec depassant les 10 millcs, lea iiaviros destines au trafic dcs otaries envoient une partic de leiir eqiiipat^o et lenrs clialoupes sur la c6te mcnie dans les eans teiritorialcs on a proximitf^, il s(>ra present par les instructions susmentioniiees de poursuivrect de soumettrc a la visitc tout na^nrc dont les embarci- tions ou Tequipafjc aurnnt ete apcr^us on saisis sc livrant ii la cliassc aux otaries sur la Goto ou dans la zone pvoliibec par les mesures provisoires pour rannde 1893. line forte presomptiou resultant du fait memo do la prdsence d'embarcations pr^s de la eftte ou dans la zone proliibee lors memo qu'au premier abord il aumit 6t6 impossible de constater si ees embarcations se livraient ou non a la ebassc des otaries ; il sera loisible do poursuivrc et de soumettre a la visitc les navires auxqucls appartien- draient ccs embarcations. La Faisic sir les navires soumis Jl la visitc d'instrumcnts speeialcmcnt employes pour la cliasse dos otaries sur la e6te memo ainsi que des peaux d'otarics dont la plus ijrande partie seraient cellos de femelles eonstitueraitdos presomptions sufQsantes pour la saisie du iiavire, atteiulu que les otaries femelles no s'eloitjnent gui^rc du rivagc ii ])lus dc 10 milles (a I'exeeption des bancs situes autour des lies) pendant la saison ou elles nourrissent lours ])etits. Eu informant b^s eapitaines des navires Anglais destines ii la ebasse dos otaries des mesures provisoires arretoes pour I'annee 1S93 le Gouverncment Britannique jugera peut-6tro utile de leur faire coiinaitrc egalemcnt la tcneur sommairo des instructious dont les croiseurs llusses soront munis, en ajoutant que le droit de surveillance sera egalement contie aux navires de la e6te sur lo grand milt desquels lo Gouverncur des lies Komandorsky bissera lo pavilion Douauier de la Ilussic lorsqu'il so trouvcra ii bord dans rexercice dc scs fonctions. Veuillez, &c. ' (Sign6) CHICHKINE. (Translation.) ' , M. I'Ambassadeur, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 12 (24.), 1893. IN your note of tbc lltb (2;]rd) January, you were good enough to inform mo tliat several captains of vess;'ls destined for tlie seal fishery in Behring Sea had asked for information as to the limits within which they would be permitted to carry on their industry, and tliat Jler Majesty's Government proposed to reply to them that until further notice sealing would remain entirely prohibited within the line of demar- cation agreed upon in IbDl by Groat Britain and the United States of America ; but that it might be freely carried on beyond that lino, except within the territorial waters of Russia. Your liXcellency requested me at the same time to communicate to you any objections which the Imperial Government might find it necessary to make to this announcement. AVhile thanking you, 'M. rAmbassadeur, for this action, of which the Imperial Government takes note, I liaslcn to inform you that the (piestion of the measures to be adopted to prevent the destruction of the seal species has boon under consideration for some time past, and that I have been obliged to await the preliminary results of this investigation before replying to the note wliieh you were so good as to address to me. In approaching, on the present occasion, the (piestiim of the seal fisheries, I must first of all point out to your Exeolleney that the insulTiciency of the strict application to this matter of the general rules of international law respecting territorial waters lias been ])roved by the nuro fact tliat negotiations were eommoneod in 1887 between liic three Powers principally concerrftd, with the object of agreeing upon special and exceptional measures. The necessity for such measures lias been more lately confirmed by the Anglo- American Agreement of \H)\. Iler Majesty's Qoverimient, by taking part 'u these Uvgotiations and in tliis Agreement, have thcinselves admitted the propriety of a possible departure from the general rules of international law. A further point to which it would seem important to call the special attf-ntion of Her Majesty's Govovnment is the absolutely abnormal and exceptional position in which liussian interests are jilaeed by the stipulations of the Anglo-American Agreement. The prohibition of sealing v ' liii the limits agreed upon in the modus vivendi of 1891 has, la fact, causi^l such au . .cease in the destruction of seals on the Ilusaiau coast, 12 that the comiiletc diiiappearancc of these i»niiimls woiiUl be only a qiiestiou of a short tinie unless efficacious measures for their protection were taken without delay. The following figures clearly show this : — The number of seals to be killed annually is fixed by the Administration in proportion to the total number of seals. In the years 1889 and 1890, before the establishment of the Anglo- American modus rirendi, the catch amounted to 55,915 and 56,833, while for the years 1891 and 1892 (after the above-mentioned Agreement) the figures fell to 30,689 and 31,315. On the other hand., according to the statistical information which the Imperiiil Government has been able to obtain, the quantity of seal-skins of Russian origin delivered by the sealera to the London market, increased during those two years in an infinitely greater pro])ortion. According to the; observa- tions made by the local Administration, the number of vessels engaged in scaling and seen in the neighbourhood of the Commander Islands and Tnleuew (llobben) Island has also increased considerably. The barbarous and illicit proceedings of these sealers are also proved by thi^ fact, established by seizures, tliat more than 90 jht cent, of the seal-skins carried away by them are those of female seals, who are hardly, if ever, found far from the shore during the sealing season, and whose destruction entails that of all the young which they are suckling. The destructive charuater of the fishery is also shown by the number of seals wounded or abandoned on the shore or within territorial waters, and aftei-wards found by the local authorities. Under these circumstances, we think ourselves justified, ^l. I'Ambassadeur, in expressing our entire confidence that Her Majesty's (Joverninent will admit the urgent necessity of restrictive measures pending the establishment of international scaling regulations between the Powers principally concerned. The Imperial Government on theii' side do not hesitate to recognize the fact that protection cannot be carried out in a reallv atisfactory manner unless it is preceded by some such agreement. Accordingly, they are disposed lo enter into negotiations at once with the Governments of Great Britain and of tlie United States of America ; but they recognize at the same time the absolute necessity of immediate provisional measures, both on account of the near approach of the sealing season and in order to be in a position to reply in good time to the question contained in your Excellency's note of the 11th (23rd) January. With this object, and after thorough investigation, the Imperial Government has thought it necessaiy to decide on the following measures to be in force during the year 1893 :— 1 . No ship unprovided with a special authorization shall be permitted to hunt for seals within a distance of 10 miles along all the coast belonging to Russia. 2. This prohibited zone shall be 30 miles wide around tlic Commander Islands and Tul^new (Rol)hen) Island according to the Russian official maps, which implies that the passage between the Commander Islands will be closed to vessels engaged in scaling. With regard lo the 10-raile zone along the const, those measures will be justified by the fact that vessels engaged in the seal fishery generally take up positions at a distance of from 7 to 9 miles from the coast, white their boats and crews engage in sealing both on the coast itself and in territorial waters. As soon as a eruizer is sighted, the ships take to the open sea and try to recall their boats from territorial watei-s. With regard to the 30-mile zone around the islands, this measure is taken with a view to protect the banks, known by the scalers as " sealing grounds," wliiiOi extend round the islands, and are not shown with sufficient accuracy on maps. These banks are frequented during certain seasons by the female seals, the killing of which is particularly destructive to the seal species at the time of year when the females are suckling their young, or go to seek food on the banks known as " sealing gi-ounds.'' While requesting you, M. I'Ambassadeur, to bring the foregoing considerations to the knowledge of Her Majesty's Govei-nment, I think it imjiortant to insist on the essentially provisional character of the above measures adopted under pressure of exceptional circumstances which may be regarded as a case of force mnjeure, and analogous to cases of legitimate self-defence. It does not, of course, enter at all into the intention of the Imperial Government to dispute the generally recognized rules with resjwet to territorial waters. In their opinion, far from attacking tacse general principles of international law, the measures which they think necessary to take must be regarded as confirming tii(;m, as the exception proves the rule. The force of the arguments set forth above will certainly not escape the enlightened appreciation of Iler Majesty's Government, and I ani firmly convinced 13 ovcrnment that thoy ^ill not refuse to take steps with regard to tlie English sealing-vessels, in accordance witli the measures which the Imperial Oovernment propose to take for the year 1893. On their side, the Imperial Government will not fail to give to these measures, in good time, the publicity which they require. Besides this, and in order to prevent as far as possible any misunderstandings and disputes ill case of infraction of tiie alwve provisional measures, as well as of the Efenoral rules of international law, the cruizers of the Imperial Government and also the local authorities will receive precise instructions, clearly laying down the cases in which the right of pursuit, of search, and of seizure of offending vessels should be exercised. As it is affirmed that the sealing-vessels, while themselves remaining outside territorial waters and sometimes more tlian 10 miles from shore, dispatch a portion of their crews and their l)oats to the coast, and within, or very nearly within, toiritorial waters, the a))ove-mentionetl instructions will prescribe the pursuit and search of all vessels wliose boats or crews shall have been observed or seized wliile sealing on the coast, or within the zone prohibited by the provisional measures for 1893. As a strong presumption results from the mere fact of the presence of boats near the coast or within the prohibited zone, even when it has been impossible at first to decide whether tliese boats were engaged in sealing or not, it shall be permissible to pursue and search the vessels to which such boats belong. The seizure on board vessels thus searched, of special implements employed in sealing on shore, as well as of s,?al-skiiis the greater part of which are those of fomales, will constitute sifficient grounds for the seizure of the vessel, in view of tlie fact that the female seals, during the season of suckling their young, rarely, if ever, depart further than 10 miles from the shore, excepting on the banks around the islands. When informing the captains of Enirlish sealing-vessels of the provisional measures drawn up for the year 1898, Her Majesty's Government will perhaps think it advisable to comm/' 'cate to them likewise a summary of the instnictions which will be given to the Ri' lan cruizers, and to add that tlie right of surveillance will also be given to vessels. ^onging to the coast on the mainmast of which the Governor of the Commai r Islands hoists the Russian Custom-house flag when he is on board in the discharge of his duties. Accept, &c. (Signed) CHICHKINE. No. 11. ... The Marquis of Ripon to Lord Stanley of Pretton.— {Received at Foreign Office, March 3.) (Telegraphic.) Downing Street, March 3, 1893. IIER Majesty's Government desire you to acquaint Collectors of Customs at British Columbian poi* < ' March 6, 1893. . / ( v . = To Collectors of Customs, i ■ '. i i .u ' i. i Ports in British Columbia. l»ii^(«J i No. 16. Colonial Office to Foreign Office. — (lleceivcri April 8.) Sir, ' ■ Downing street, April 7, 1893. WITH reference to the letter from this Department of the ^si\\ instant respecting the steps taken by the (rovprnment of Canada to inform Canadian scalers of the proposal ot the Russian Government for establishing a protective zone round the coasts and islands of Bussia, I am directed by the Marquis of Ripon to transmit to you, tor the information of the Earl of Rosebery, a copy of a further despatch from the Govemor-f4oneral of Canada, with its inclosurcs, on the subject. I am, &c. (Signed) ,TOHN BRAMSTOX. Inclosure 1 in No. 1(». Lord Stanley of Preston to the Marquis of Ripon. My Lord, Oovernmerit House, Ottawa, March 20, 1893. IN continuation of ray despatch of the 14th instant, notifying your Lordship of the steps taken by this Govcruraeuf to inform Canadian sealers of the proposal of the Russian Government for establishing a protective zone round the coasts and islands of Russia, I have the honour to forward copy of a further approved Minute of the Privy Council, detailing additional measures ■which have been taken to give publicity to this proposal, and submitting a list of Canadian vessels which have already cleared from Victoria for the purpose of scaling in the North Pacific. I have, &c. (Siirned) STANLEY OF I'RESTOX. .( I > .i,!l(| 1 "'*•'' Inclosure 2 in No. 16. Report of a Committer nf the Honourable the Privij Council, approved by his E.rceliency the Govei-nor-fyeiirral in Council, on the ]7th March, 1893. ON a Report, dated lotii March, 1893, from the Minister of Trade and Commerce, submitting, with reference to the telegraphic despatch, copy of M'hich is attached for con\ enicneo of reference, of the 3rd March instant ,froni the Marquis of Eipon, advisiiii; that Her Majesty's Govcrunicut had received a proposal from the Russian Govornme.it for the cstablisliing of a protective zone around the islands and coast of Russia, and asking that Collectors of Customs in British Columbia should warn sealers for the North Pacific accordingly, a copy of a letter received on the 13th March instant from the Collector of Customs at Victoria, British Columbia, hearing date the 1th March instant, in which he states (referring to the sealing fleet) that the vessels all cleared early this season, fifty-one having cleared prior to writing, of which twenty-four cleared for the North Pacific and Japan, and twenty-seven for the North Pacific, leaving at that time but two in port. [395] D % 18 '1 lie M inistcr states that the Collector of Customs at Victoria, Britisli Coliiinbin, was thereupon further instructed by telegraph of the lith March instant, as per copy liore- witli, to (iolivur a copy of the Controller of Customs telegram of tiie 7th Mnrcli instant to the I'rcsident of tlic Sealers' Association, so that those interested might understand the responsibility involved in any non-observance of the warning, ami the Collector answered under same date, as per copy also herewith, which came to baud this day, that owners had been given copies of the Controller's telegram, and that copies had been sent to the west coast, and that publicity had been given through the ])ress, but that cojiies had not ycst been sent viil Japan. The Committee, on tlie recommendation of the Minister of Trade and Commerce, advised that your Kxcellency be moved to forward a certified copy of tliis Minute, together with copies of the telegrams and of the letters referred to, and its accompanying list of vessels, to the Right Honourable the Secretary of StaU; for >iio Colonies, lor the inforinution of Her Majesty's Government. All uliicli is ri'spoctfiillv submitted, for your Kxcellency's approval. (Signed) JOHN J. Mo GEE, Clfrk of the Privy Council. Downing Streel,lMarcli M, 1S03. Her Majesty's Government desire you to acquaint Collector of Customs at llritisb Columbia ports that Her Majesty's Government have received proposal from Russian Government for establishment of protective zone round islands and coast of Russia, and that he should warn sejilers clearing for North Pacific to arrange for ascertaining provisions which may be agreed to before proceeding to neighbourhood of Russian territorv, (Signed) ItlPON. March U, 1893. Letters of dth instant re sealers received. Deliver copy of Controller of Customs' telegram of 7th instant to ProsiJent of Sealers' Association, bo that those interested moy understand t he res ponsibility involved in OTiy non-observance of the warning. ,__1_^ (Signed) M. BOWELL. A. R. Milne, Esq., Collector of Customs, Victoria, B.C. , Victoria, B.C., March , 1893. Owners given copies of Controller's telegram of 7th instant. Copies sent to west coast ; also every publicity given in press. Has not yet been sent vik Japan. (Signed) -.A. R. MILNE Hon. M. Bowell, Minister of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. Sir, Customs, Canada, Victoria, B.C., March 4, 1893. "' I have the honour to forward herewith a statement giving the names of vessels, date cleared, names of masters, &c,, of the sealing fleet, 1893, which have left port this spring. 1 beg to stctc that the vessel i all cleared early, few vessels having been added to ♦ he number this year, and none, so far, have come round Cape Horn from the eastern previnces. 19 A number of American Holiooncrs have gone from San FranciNCO to Japan water, and I fear that the large number of vcsseh there will incite the Japanese to harntis tlioir operations for protection of the industry, which I understand is leased by the Japanese Government to Companies. There is no doubt but thai all our vessels will observe the modus vivendi this year, and no attempt will be made to enter Behring Sea eastward of the line of demarcation. I have, &c. (Signed) A. R. MILNE, Collector. W. G. Parmelee, Esq., DeputyMinistcr of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. Sealinp, Fleet, Session 18U3. >or VetMli. Tuiii. Crtws. C .MaiUri. Dftt • Cleared fiir — Uunace. .i \ J ie93 J«n. 11 Tiiumph .. 98 10 38 4 14 C.N. Cor.. North Pacirtc Ocean. II Waller P. Hall 99 23 , , 7 ^, J. B. Brown North Pacific Ocean and J^pan. 13 Majp Bell 59 20 • • 3 , , C. J. Ilarrii North PaciRc Owan. ^ 16 Otto 86 8 26 3 13 M. Keefe .. Ditto. ^^ 16 Pioneer .. 66 6 24 3 12 J. McLrod Ditto. 17 BMlriM .. «t 5 24 2 12 D. Macaulcj .. Ditto. ^ 18 Caeco 63 19 , , & O. Bilckholi Ditto. ^^ 18 8e* Lion (New Diana) 50 19 ,, S , , A. Nelson .. .. Ditto. ^^ 19 Bnterpriae., *, •9 24 , , 7 ,, J. W. Todd North Paellie Ocean and Japan. 20 Genera .. .. 92 26 ,, 8 , , W. 0. Learr North Pacific Ocean. 21 Penelope .. E. B. Harrin 70 20 , , S , , P. Colo .. Ditto. ^, 21 117 27 8 ,, Isaac Gould Nonh Pacific Ocean and Japan. 21 C.H. Tapper Carlolta 0. Col 99 24 ,, 7 ,, W. E. Baker Wrecked. ^ 21 78 23 ,, 7 ,, W. Byert .. North Pacific Ocean and Japan. ^^ 21 Agnei McDonald .. 107 23 , , T , , M.F. Culler North Pacific Ocean. ^^ 21 Oinoko , , 74 6 26 3 13 G. Heater.. Nortli Pacific Ocean and Japan. ^^ 21 Ocean Belle 8.1 26 , , 7 , , T. O'Uary Ditto. ^, 24 CIt; of San Die(o . . 46 18 ^^ 5 , , M.Pike .. Ditto. ,, 24 Sadie Turpel 3« 33 ,. 6 ,, C. Lo Blauc Ditto. ^ J4 Vir. „ 92 33 6 J. W. Andcraon .. North Pacific Oocan. ,, 25 Vera 60 19 , , b , , W. Shieldi Ditto. 26 Brenda 100 26 ,, 7 ,, C.E.Locke Ditto. ^^ 26 Sapphire .. .. Umbrinfi .. 109 8 5 3 n WillUm Coi Ditto. i> 26 98 24 7 , , C. Campbell Ditto. 26 Mrrniaid . 7: 23 , , 6 ,, W. H. Whiteley .. Ditto. 1^ 26 Mau»t .. 4U 11 20 3 10 II. K. Sirward Ditto. ^, 26 Rceie Olaen . . 39 h 24 2 12 A. B. Whiddem Ditto. Feb. 2 Arieti 86 24 ,, 7 ,, A. Douglaaa Ditto. > ** 6 MaudS 97 34 ,, 7 ,, R. B. MeKiel Ditto. C Annie C. Moore 113 26 , , 7 , , J. Daley .. Ditto. ,^ C Libbia .. 93 23 ,, 6 , , F. Hackett Ditto. ^ 9 Terru 63 20 ,^ 6 E. Lorcni . . Ditto. M 10 Dora Sieward 94 26 .. 8 ,. R. 0. Lavender North Pacific Ocean and Japan. ,j 10 Mar; Ellen 63 23 ,. 6 ., W. O. Hnghes Ditto. ,, 13 Favn i9 3 22 3 11 L. Migneacn . . Ditto. ,, 13 W. P. Sajwerd 60 30 3 10 0. Percy .. North Pacific Ocoau. ^j 14 Venture . . 48 16 2 8 0. McDonald North Pacific Ocean and Japan. ,, 14 Katharine .. .. 82 34 2 12 W. D. McDougal ,. Ditto. ^^ IS Annie E. Paint 82 22 ,, 6 , , A. Bitaet ., Ditto. ft 16 Welter A. Parke .. 68 23 ,, 6 ,, Theo. Magneacn ,. Ditto. 16 MaryTa;Ior 46 18 ., 3 ,, E. Shiella.. Ditto. ,, 17 Labrador •• .. 23 11 , , 4 ,, J. J. V hiteley Ditto. ,, 19 Borealia .. 37 20 2 10 G. Me/er , , Ditto. \ ' t ^j 23 Favourite .. .. 80 26 3 13 T. McLean Ditto. >P 27 Victoria .. 68 20 2 10 H.V. Hughei Ditto. 27 Minnie .. 46 20 2 10 V. Jackobaen Ditto. Mar. Walter L. Rich 76 24 ,, 7 R. Balcom.. Ditto. ,, 2 Wanderer .. 2S 16 I 8 H. Paiton.. Ditto. „ 2 HounUin Chief 33 19 ,, 9 L. F. Guptel Ditto. J, 2 Clear and Hattie .. 81 34 , , 6 , , W. E. Baker sun in port. •• 2 8>nJoa< .. 31 16 2 8 R. Crowcll Ditto. Cleared for North Pacific and Japan Cleared for North Pacific . . Total niunber of rttitlt nji to data 24 27 31 10 ... - .... .,- .. . j^o. 17. ■■"'^ ^.•' • 11* ' ' * * ' '■ Sir R. MoricT to the Earl of Ro$tbery.—{Rtcehed April 22.) "-^^ "'''"" My Lord, ''' "^""^ '"" '*' ' '*"" '■''" "^'**'''''^ •"''' " 8t. Petmburgh, April 18, 1893. I HAVE this moment received, only a few lioiirs Insforc my departure for the (Crimen, thr note on tlic suhjoct of the seal fisheries, of which I Imve the honour to inclose a copy herewith, in reply to my note of the 9th (2l8t) March, transmitting a copy of your Jjordship's despatch of the 17tli of the same month. As far ns a very cursory examination of the note allows me to judj»e, it seems to mo fairly satisfactory, with the exception of the paraj;mph stating the impossibility of the Imperial Government to accept the condition of having to deliver up their captures to our oruizers or to the nearest British authority. The fjrounds on which they refuse to do this, however, Iwinp of a practical nature, and Imsctl on the physical impossihility, with their verj- limited number of cruizers, to give up watching for poachers in onler to hunt for British cruizers or to undertake a voyage of 3,0(K) miles to get within reach of a British authority, arc not easy to refute. But it seems to mc that the difficulty may he turned, and I have therefore, in a private letter which I have addressed to M. Chichkinc, in order at once to guard against iho supposition that we should hand over our crews to Russian jurisdiction, pointed out to him that then- might he practical ways of turning the difficulty, such, for instance, as our stationing a cruizer at Totropavlovsk or Vladivostock to take charge of tli captures. I liavc the honour to transmit herewith a copy of this letter. I have, &c. i (Signed) R. B. J). MORIER. Inclosure 1 in No. 17. ' ,; Af. Chichkine to Sir R. Mnrirr. M. rAmhassua(!ur, Le (18) Avril, 1893. EN reponsu i\ ma note du 12 (24) Fdvrier, votre Excellence a bien voulu mc fairo parvcnir copie do la dcpccho dc Lord Rosehery cii date du 17 Mars, par laquclle Ic Gouvernemont Britannifjiic propose dYtablir inimAliateraent un woiliis vivrndi sur les bases suivautcs : — 1. Le Gouvcrncment Britanniquc interdintit a ses sujets la chassc aux otaries dans les zones dc 'M et dc 10 milles, ct offrirait la cooperation dc ses croiscurs pour rexecutioii do cette mcsure. Lc Qouvernenient Imp6rial s'cngagerait a livier aux ci'oiscurs Anglais, ou u la plus prochc autoritc Hritanniquc les na\ ires Anglais captures en dehors dcs c;iux temtori.ales dans les /ones susmentionn6es, tandis que les croisoura Anglais, par reciprocitc, livreraienf les navircs Russes captures dans les m^mcs conditions. 2. Lc Gouviuiuinent Imperial liraitcrait a un ohifFre h determiner h nonibrc dos otarics qui seraicnt tucs .sur los Jles. 3. Le (Jouverncmeut Imperial autoriserait un Agent du Gouvcrnemeut Britan- niquc a sc rendrc sur les lies, aiin dc conf<5rer avec les autoritds locales sur lc fonctionnemcnt ct lc resultat de Tarrangeraent. '4. II rcstcrait entcndu que cet arrangement n'affcctcrait en rien les facilitcs accordccs jusiiu'ici dans les ports Ilusscs aux navircs Anglais pour refuge, r6paration, ou approvisionnemcut. 6. L'avrangement n'aurait pas dc force retroactive, plus particuli^rcment en co qui conccrnc les navircs Anglais (;ai)tures I'anndc dcrni6rc. .Te nc s.aiu'ais ontrer en uiati6re, M. I'Ambassadeur, sans avoir au prcalablc attir6 votre attention sui' (•(; fait, que ma note du 12 (24) Fdvrier avait pour but dc prevenir lc Gouvcrnemeut Britanniquc de ccrtaines mesures de defense legitir'")s imposces pro- visoironient par dis cireonstanecs exccptionnclles, et non pas de poser les oases d'un modus Vivendi proprcmcnt dit, c'cst-n-dire, d'unc transaction bilatdralc, susceptible d'6trc prolongcc jusqu'au n'^glement definitif dc la question. II s'agissait simplcnient d'un minimum de mesures protcctriccs destin6cs h prevenir la disparition dc I'objet du litige avant uiome I'ouvcrturc dcs ndgociations a son sujet. Vu la proximit<5 dc la saison dc la chassc, ddjfi ouvertc en ce moment, lo Grouverne- menl Imperial cstimait a la date dc ma note que le temps materiel ferait defaut pour SI d6batti'e ct pour iHablir on mudua vivendi ^ui toucliuroit ii^cesHairoineut, non pas seule* ment a des questions (rint(. The arrangement would not have any retrospective efifect, more especially as regards the English vessels seized last year. I cannot discuss the subject, M. I'Ambassadeur, without calling your attention in the first instance to this fact, viz., that the object of my note of the 12th (21th) of February was to warn the British Government of certain legitimate measures of defence necessitated for the moment by exceptional circumstances, and not to lay down tlie bases of a regular modus vivcndi, that is to say, of a bi-lateral arrangement, whicli mii:lit be prolonged until the question was definitively settled. The only idea was to provide a minimum of protective measures, intended to prevent the disappearance of the sul)jeet of the dispute, even before the negotiations with regard to it were commenced. In view of the near approach of the fishing season, which has now already begun, the Imperial Government considered at the date of my note that there would not be sufficient time to discuss and to establish a modus vivendi, which wouhl nec'ssarily aflect not only questions of interest, but also questions of principle. If it had been intended to lay down bases of a modus vivendi of this kiiul, the Imperial Government would not have failed to claim that a restriction of territorial rights, that is to say, the engagement to limit the number of seals to be killed on land, should in equity carry with it the corollary ot a complete suspension of pelagic sealing in the open sea. They would have esj)ecially regarded it as indispensable to make their reservations as regards the definitive settlement of the seal question, in order to retain their entire freedom of view as to the measures to be agreed upon for the j)re!^ervation of the seal sj)ecies, whether by the prohibition or regulation of sealing in the open spa, or by the extension of special rights of protection of that species beyond the various distances commonly designated as the limits of territorial waters. Yet, after making these observations, I am authorized, M. I'Ambassadeur, to inform your Exoellenfy that the Imperial Government, being anxious to meet half-way any conciliatory offer on the part of the British Government, are leady to accept, tho proposal made in Lord Rosebery's despatch, with the exception of sonij modifications on the first point. Thus, the Imperial Government would be disposed to limit for the current year t he number of seals to be killed on the islanda to a maximum of 30,000, reducing thus by 20,000 tho average of 50,000 provided for in their contract with the Sealing Company. They would not object to an Agent of the British Government coming to the 28 ntcndcd to islands in orde<' ^ discuss matters with the local authorities, and to ohtain information from them as tu the working and results of the arrangement. The place and the time of his visit should of course be fixed hereafter. There would certainly be no modification as regards the facilities which English vessels enjoy in Russian ports for refuge, repairs, or supplies. The arrangement agreed upon would have no retrospective force, because the different cases of seizures effected last year have been already examined by a special Commission on the basis of the general principles of intcmatiocal law. Finally, in regard to the first point of the proposal contained in Lord Rosebery's despatch, the Imperial Government are of opinion that it would be quite impossible to apply it as it stands, at any rate under the circumstances existing for the present fishing season, especially as to the engagement to hand over to the English cruizers or to the nearest British authority the English vessels caught trespassing outside territorial waters within the forbidden zones of 30 and 10 miles. It may bo that means may hereafter be found by common consent to remedy the practical diflBculties in the way of such an undertaking ; but for the moment, there is no doubt that it would completely paralyze the action of tlic cruizers of the Imperial navy, and render illusory the supervision which they should exorcise along the coast and round the islands. In practice, any Russian cruiser which bad captured an English vessel would have to choose between the alternatives of searching for an English cruizer, which might take a long time, considering the extent of the coast, or else of undertaking a voyage of 3,000 miles to conduct the captured vessel to the nearest port, that of Victoria in Columbia. The Russian cruizers would thus be exclusively occupied in looking for the English cruizers, or in making voyages to Port Victoria and back throughout the fishing season; and the " co-operation" of the cruizers of the two nations could, there- fore, only be a nominal one. Under these circumstances, and without insisting for the moment on another essential point — that of the absolute absence of reciprocity in the British proposal, as there are not, nor can there be, any vessels under the Russian flag engaged in sealing — the Imperial Government consider that for the current year it would be more simple and practical to submit the new prohibited zones, as is the case as regards territorial waters, to the exclusive supervision of iho cruizers of the Imperial navy, who would continue to conduct to Petropaulovsk all vessels caught trespassing until the conclusion of an ulterior agreement. By accepting four points out of five in the English proposal, and by only objecting to the complete and immediate application of one of the five points, the Imperial Government give evidence of their sincere wish to see the pending negotiations result in an understanding sufficient to prevrnt their partial objection, based upon purely geographical considerations, from being irterpreted as a sign of mistrust. If the British Government on their side should accept, as I firmly hope, the whclc of the modus agendi explained above, it might be considered that provision had been made against all possible complicaiions for the current sealing season, and, on the other hand, the necessary time would iiave been gained for the negotiation of a more definite modut Vivendi. Accept, &c. (Signed) CHICHKINE. Inclosure 2 in No. 17. Sir R. Morier to M. Chichkine, Chfere Excellence, _ St. Pelersburgh, April 6, 1893. I HAVE just received your note on the subject of the seals, and have only a few moments before my departure within which to give you my first impressions. T perfectly imderstand the pi-actical difficulties in the vay of the Russian cruizers delivering their captures to the British cruizers or at a B.'itish port. On the other hand, I tliink I may state confidently that Her ilajesty'i Government would not consider themselves justified in handing over British sul)jeci:< and property captured outside of bond fide territorial waters to the jurisdiction of any (Jovemnient but their own. But there ought to be some way of turning the dilRculty, such, for instance, as a British cruizer being stationed at Petropavlovsk or Vladivostock. I linve, &c. (Signed) R. B. D. MORIER. [895] E 34 No. 18. ' The Earl of Eosebery to Mr. Howard. Sir, Forfign Officf, May 3, 1S93. IIKII ^Fajesty's Government have had under their eiirefiil eonsiderati^.^ tlie nolo from M. Chiclikine, forvvnrdod in Sir It. Morier's deBp;it<'h of t!\c IPth ultimo, relative to the proposed arrangement for the protection of Kiissian settling interests in the North Pacific Ocean duiinsf the present year. Tiioy note with satisfaction tliat their projwsulR for tliis purfKwc are ticoepted by tlic llussiin Government with one exception, and they trust that the diHlculty in regai"d to this single point will be removed by the suggestion which has since boon made, that any Uritisii vessels which may be seized by Russian cruizA^rs on the cbarj^e of coiitraveninsi; the Agreement shall bo delivered at Yokohama for adjudication by tho British Consular Court there. In the hope that this matter will have been satisfactorily settleil Ix^fore this despatch reaches you, I inclose herewitii the dmft of an Agrcomont eml)otlying tho principles of the armngoment, which you are empowered to sign at onoo with M. Chiclikine or any other member of tho Russian Government who may be similarly authorized to that end. In case of any alterations being suggested in the wording of the Agreement, you will report them by telegraph. You will impress upon tho Russian Government that a speedy conclusion is of capital importance, in order that the necessary legislation may be at once obtained from Parliament, and public notice given to all concerned. Por this reason, I defer for the present any discussion on the claim which appears to be advanced in M. Chichkine's note, of a right on the part of Russia to take of her own motion, and without previous agreement with other Powere concerned, the measures contemplated in tho arrangement now under negotiation. It will be necessary, however, that in presenting the draft Agreement, you should intimate clearly that Her Majesty's Government cannot admit such n claim, and that they must reserve to themselves full freedom to object to any interference with Britisii vessels outside Russian territorial waters, according to the usual acceptation of the term, which is not based on an express Agreement between the two Governments. I am, &c. (Signed) R08EBERY. Inclosure in No. 18. Drqft Ayreemtnt between Great Britain and Rtinsia relative to the Seal Fisheries, WITH the view to avoid difficulties in regard to the seal fisheries, and to aid in the nresorvation of tho seal species, the Goveriunent of Her Majesty tho Queen of the Vu ted Kingdom of Great uritain and Ireland, Empress of India, and the Govern- ment ol Ilis Majesty the Emperor ol' All tho Kussias, have concluded the following Agrcemout : — I. During the year ending the Jllst December, 1833, ller Britannic Majesty's Government will prohibit Bntish subjects from killing or bunting seals within the following limits : — (rt.) Wiihin a zone of lO marine miles following the sinuosities of the Russian coasts whicii border on .ring 8oa and any other part of the North I'acitic Ocean. (b.) Within a zone of 30 marine miles round tho Komandorsky Islands, and round Tulenew (llobbeu Island), II. Her Vritniuiic Majesty's Government engage to co-operate, with British cruizers, in preventing British subjects from killing or hunting seals within the aforesaid limits. 25 HI. Ikltlsli vcsscll engaged in killing or Imntinq seals witliin the afoiesaifl limits may be seized citlier by British or lUissian cruizers ; but, if seized l)y the latter, they sball fortUwith be banded ovor at Yokoliama, or at any port in the British posses- sions, or to the Commander of any British ship of war, for trial by th(5 British authorities. IV. The Imperial Russian Government enf,'age to limit to 30,000 the number of seals which may be killed during the whole of the year 1893 upon or around the said Islands of Komandorsky and Tulencw (Roblxin Island). V. It is agreed that a British Agent may, when so desired by Her Britannic ]\rajesty*s Government, A'isit the said islands to eonfor there with the authorities, and to inquire into the working and results of the present Agreement. VI. Tlie present Agreement will in nowise afTect the facilities hitherto accorded in Russian ports to British vessels as regards refuge, repairs, obtaining supplies, or (jthcr matters for which they may properly require access. VII. It is understood that the present Agreement relates solely to the year 1893. It lias consequently no retroactive force oj- efTeot — more especially as regards the British vessels ci ptured previously by Russian cruizurs. In witness whereof, the Undersigned, duly a\ithorize instinictions i-eceivcd from the Earl of Roseberj-, 1 have the honour to inform your Excellency that Her ilajesty's Government have had under their careful consideration the note wiiieh you addressed to Sir Robert Morier on the (ith (18th) April relative to (lie proposed arrangement for the protection of Russian scaling interests in the North Paciiic Ocean during the present year, and that they Uulc with satisfaction that their proposals for this purpose arc accepted by the Russian Government with one exception. I am desired to express the hope of Her Majesty's Government that the dilTlculty in regard to this single \vnnt may bo remoTCrc d'un dchange de notes pour les raisons suivantes : — Parco que la redaction trop concise du projet susmentionnd laisserait la portc ouverte ^ certains malcntendus, ct pcut-etre incme h. dcs complications qu'il serait desirable d'eviter ; Parce que le Gouvemement Imperial no saurait adherer au projet en question sans quelques reserves destinies a sauvegarder sa liberty d'apprdciation dans I'aveuir. II est bien entendu que I'cntente a dtablir entre nos deux Gouvernements laisserait intacts tous Ics droits de la Russie dans les eaux territoriales. Quant il nos reserves, elles porteraient sur les points ci-dcssous. 1. En consentant a livrer aux autoritcs Britanniques les navires Anglais qui s'occupcnt do la chassc dcs otaries dans les zones prohibecs, nous no voulons nuUe- mcnt prdjuger, en general, la question dcs droits d'unc Puissance riveraine d'6tondre sa juridiction territorialo dans certains cas spcciaux au deli de ses eaux territoriales proprement dites. 2. Le Gouvemement Imperial ontcnd garder son enti^rc liberte quant au choix, dans I'avenir, ontrc les deux systt^mes do protection des otaries, soit au moycn d'uno zone prohibee, soit au moyen d'unc defense complete de la chasse pclagiquc ou do sa rdglementation en pleino mcr. 3. L' Arrangement actuel ne j)ourrait scrvir h aucun titre de precedent et n'aurait ^ nos yeux qu'un caract^re essentiellemont provisoire pour le cjis present. 27 Ces reserves faitcs, nous adlierous a la iiro2)08ition Britannique dans Ics termes siiivants : — 1. Pendant I'annec prcnant fin Ic 31 Decembre, 1S93, Ic Gouvernement Anglais defendra h. ses sujets la cliasse aux otarics dans unc zone de 10 milles maritimes sur toutcs les c6tes llusses de la Mer de Behring et de I'Oedan Pacifique du Nord ; ainsi (luo dans une zone de 30 milles maritimes autonr des lies Komandorski et Tuliniew (llobbin Island). 2. Les navires Anglais qui sc livrent u la cUasse des otaries dans les zones sus- mentionnees en dehors des eaux territoriales de la Russie, peuvcnt 6tre arretds par les croiseurs llusses pour etre remis aux croiseurs Anglais, ou bicn aux autorites Britan- niques les plus proches. En cas d'empechement ou de difi5cult«S, le Command^at du croisour Russo pent sc Iwrner a saisir les papiers de bord dea navires susmentionn^s, afin de les remettre a un croiseur Britannique, ou de les expddicr aux autorites Anglaises les plus voisines, a la premiere possibility. 3. Lo Gouvernement Britannique s'engage ii faire juger par les Tribunaux ordinaires et offrant toutes les garanties neccssaircs les navires Anglais qui seraient arretes commc setant occujies de la chasse dcfendue dans les zones prohibdes en dehors des eaux territoriales llusses. 1. Lc Gouvernement Imperial limitera h 30,000 t6tes le nombre des otaries a tuer sur les c6lcs des lies Komandorski et Tuliniew (Robbin Island) dans le courant de I'annee 1893. 5. Un Agent du Gouvernement Britannique pourra fitre adniis sur 'js lies susmentionnees (Komandorski et Tuliniew) afin de rccueillir aupr^s des autoritds locales toutes les informations nc-cessaires sur lo fonctionnoment et les resultats de I'entente convenue, mais on ayant soin d'informer pr6alablement ces autoritds du lieu et de I'epoque de sa visite, qui ne saurait d'ailleurs se prolonger au delJl de quelques somp.ines. 6. L'arrangement actuel n'aura pas de force retrospective quant k la saisic des navires Anglais arr6tes anterieiirement par les croiseurs de la marine Impdriale. Ces points dtant l)as6s sur los notes precedemment 6changees entre nos deux Gouveruemcnts ainsi (jue sur lc texte des derni^res propositions Anglaises, nous esperons, M. lc Cliargo d' Affaires, que le Gouvernement de Sa Majestd Britannique jugera desormais lentente entre nous commc entitirement dtablie quant au regime dc la pfiche aux otaries pour le courant de I'annde presente. Veuillez, &c. (8ign6) CHICHKINE. (Translation.) U. If Charge d'Affaii-es, St. Pelershurgh, May 10 (22), 1893. IN reply to your communication of the 30th April (12th May), I have the honour to inform you that the Imperial Government, while accepting the draft arrangement annexed to that communication, prefer to give it the character of an exchange of notes, for the following reasons : — Because the too concise wording of the above-mentioned draft would leave room lor ceitain misunderstandings, and perhaps even for complications, which it would be desirable to avoid ; Because the Imperial Government could not agree to the draft in question without some reservations designed to safeguard their freedom of judgment in the future. It is understood that the agreement to be arrived at between our two Govern* meiits will leave intact all the rights of Russia in her territorial waters. As to our reservations, they refer to the points mentioned below : 1. In consenting to liand over to the British authorities the English ships engaged in sealing within the prohibited zones, wo do not wish to prejudice, generally, the question of the rights of a riverain Power to extend her territorial jurisdiction in certain special cases beyond waters properly called territorial. 2. The Imperial Government desire to preserve complete liberty of action as to choosing in the future between the two systems of protecting seals, cither by the method of a pi'ohibited zone, or by tlic method of entirely prohibiting pelagic sealing, or regulating it in the open soa. 3. The present arrangement cannot in any manner he considered as a precedent, and will be looked upon by us as of an essentially provisional nature, intended to meet l)rcsent circumstances. With these reservations, we accept the British proposal in the following termu :— as 1. During the yoM oncling the Slat Decott\ber, i803, tlie English Government « 111 prohibit their subjects from hunting seals within a zone of 10 marine miles on all the ilussiau coasts of Behring Sea and the North Pacific Ocmn ; as well as within a zone of 30 marine miles round the Komandoreky Islands and Tuldnew (Robben Island). 2. English vossids engaged in Iiuntlng seals within tlic aforesaid zones beyond Russian territorial MTiters may bo seized by Russian cruizers, to bo handed over to English cruizers or to the nearest Britisli authorities. In case ol' impediment or difficulty, the Commander of the Russian cruieor may confine himself to seizing the papera of the afore-mentioncd ve88«'ls, in order to deliver them to a British crnizer, or to transmit tJiem to the near<>st Englisli autiiorities, on the first opportunity. 3. Her Majesty's Government engage to bring to trial before the ordinary 'IVibunals, ottering all necessary guarantees, tlio English vessels whicli may be seized ns having been engaged in sealing within the prohibited zones beyond Russian territorial waters. 4. The Imperial Government will limit to 30,000 the number of seals wbich may be killed during the year 1893 on the coasts of the Islands of Komandorsky and Tuynew (Robben Island). 5. An Agent of the British Government may visit the afore-mentioned islands (Komandorsky and Tul6new) in order to obtain from the local authorities all necessary infonnation on the working and results of the agreement ari'ivcd at, but care should bo taken to give previous information to these authorities of the place and time of his visit, trhioh should not be prolonged beyond a few weeks. 6. The present arrangement has no retroactive force as regards the British vessels captured previously by the cruizers of the Imperial Marine. These terms being based upon the notes previously exchanged between our two GoTernments, as well as upon the text of the latest English proposals, we hope, M. le Chargd d' Affaires, that Her Britannic Majesty's Government will consider the imderstanding between us to be entirely established from this time forward as regards the regulation of seal fisheries during the present year. Accept, &c. (Signed) CHICHKINE. No. 21. The Earl of Rosebery to Mr. Howard, (Telegi-aphic.) Foreign Office, May 20, 189;}. I HAVE received your despatch of tbe 23rd instant, inclosing a note from M. Chichkiuc, defining the terms of the arrangement for the protection of the Ilussiau seal fisheries during the present year, to which the Russian Government arc prepared to a^ree. I Lave to instruct you to address a note to the Ilussiau Government iu rej)ly, stating that this arrangement is accepted by Ilcr Majesty's Government as a tcmpoiiury agreement for the current year, and tliat they will take immediate steps to procure the legislation necessary for carrj'ing it into execution. With rcgaid to the reservations made in M. Chiclikine's note, you will state that Her Majesty's Government liave taken note of them, but do not at present projjose to discuss them ; tliat, on the other liaud, they must adhere to the reservation previously made by them, and contained in your note of the 12th of this month, and that it is understood that the rights and position of either Power are in no way affected by the conclusion of this provisional arrangement. You should inform the Russian Government, at the same time, tliat we propose to lay the coreespondence at once before Parliament. 30 lish vessels No. 23. Sir R. Morier to Ihe Earl of Rosebery.— {Received May 30, O'-IS P.M.) (Tolegrapliic.) St. Petersburgh, May 30, 1893, 6-12 P.M. IN pursuance of your Lorilsliip's instructions as conveyed in your telegram of yesterday, I have this day addressed a note to the Russian Government m the following terms : — ,,..^.^11 " Your Excellencv's note of the lOtli (22nd) instant on the suhject of the seal fisheries in the North Pacific was forwarded without delay to Uer Majesty's Principal Sccretarv of State, and I am now instructed by Her Majesty's Government to state that ilicv accept, as a provisional agreement applying to the present year only, the arrange- ment for the protection of the Russian sealing interests as defined in that note. Ihoy Avill forthwith invite Parliament to enact the legislation which is necessary to carry the Vf'rceraent, so far as it binds Great Britain, into effect. ^ " " With reference to the general reservations contained in your Excellency s note, llor Alajesty's Government, while taking note of them, have instructed me to abstain liom discussing them at present, but to inform the Imperial GoTomment that they, on their side, maintain to the full the reservations made by them as formulated in ilr. Uoward's note to your Excellency of 30th April (12th May). It is understood, therefore, that the rights and position of neither Power are in any way prejudiced by this provisional arrangement." o I 3 " SI T) go* n 2, K O f) a. 5 Ti P n >• S? fit a- a a It n =r 3 B CO - ^