MODUS VIVENDI OF 1891 AND ARBITRATION. 303 



present proposal, although the reservation as to the killing of a limited 

 number of seals on the islands is maintained. 



I am glad to think that there is yet time to carry out for this fishery 

 season any arrangement which may promptly be agreed to, and I hope 

 that the above explanation may remove the impression you ai)pear to 

 have formed that there has been any delay on my i^art in expediting 

 the consideration of the modus vivendi which you have proposed. 

 I have, etc., 



Julian Pauncefote. 



Mr. Adee to Sir Jtdian Pauneefote. 



[Persouat.] 



Department of State, 



Washington, May 20, 1891. 

 My Dear Sir Julian: TLe President is desirous to learn the 

 reply of Her Majesty's Government to the proposition submitted in De- 

 partment's note of the 4th instant, to stop sealing by citizens of the 

 United States as well as by subjects of Her Majesty pending the arbi- 

 trations of questions in dispute touching the seal fisheries in Behring Sea. 

 I should be glad to know as soon as possible the present state of the 

 matter. 



I remain, etc., 



Alvey a. Adee, 

 Second Assistant Secretary. 



Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Adee. 



[Personal.] 



British Legation, 

 Washington, May 21, 1891. 



Dear Mr. Adee : I regret that I am not yet in a jjosition to answer 

 the iu(]uiry of the President communicated to me in your letter of yes- 

 terday, but, immediately on its receipt, I telegraphed the substance 

 of its contents to the Marquis of Salisbury, and I hojje to receive iu 

 the course of to day a telegram from his lordshii) in rej)ly. 

 You may rely on my using the utmost expedition in the matter. 

 I remain, etc., 



Julian Pauncefote. 



Mr. Adee to Sir Julian Pauncefote. 



Department of State, 



Washington, May 26, 1891. 



Sir: In my personal note of the 20th instant and on several occa- 

 sions iu oral coimnuuication, I have had the honor to express the desire 

 of the President to be informed at the eailiest possible moment of the 

 response of Her Majesty's Government to the proposal, which formed 



