342 DTPLOMATir COTJRERPONDENCE. 



for more tlian five years. Duiijiii' all tliat time, while Great Bj-itaiu was 

 iiiaintaiiiiiig that the Bcliriiig Sea was open to all comers, at any time, 

 as of right, not another European nation has engaged in sealing. 



A German vessel onee made its appearance in Bering Sea, but did 

 not return, being satisfied, I suppose, that at the great distance they 

 have to sail, the Germans could not successfully engage in sealing. 

 Russia, wliose interference Lord Salisbury seems to specially appre- 

 hend, will not dissent from the agreement, because such dissent would 

 put to hazard her own sealing property in the Bering Sea. On the 

 contrary, we may confidently look to Russia to sustain and strengthen 

 whatever agreement Great Britain and the United States may con- 

 jointly ordain. 



It is the judgment of the President, therefore, that the apprehension 

 of Lord Salisbury is not well grounded. He believes that, however 

 the arbitration between Great Britain and the United States may ter- 

 minate, it will be wise for the two nations to unite in a note to the 

 principal powers of Europe, advising them in full of what has been 

 done and confidently asking their approval. He does not believe that, 

 with full explanation, any attempt will be made to disturb the agree- 

 ment. If, contrary to his firm belief, the agreement shall be disturbed 

 by the interference of a third power. Great Britain and the United 

 States can act conjointly, and they can then far better agree upon what 

 measure may be necessary to prevent the destruction of the seals than 

 they can at this time. 



The President hopes that the arbitration between Great Britain and 

 the United States will be allowed to proceed on the agreement regu- 

 larly and promptly. It is of great consequence to both nations that 

 the dispute be ended, and that no delay be caused by introducing new 

 elements into the agreement to which both nations have given their 

 consent. 



I have, etc., 



James G. Blaine. 



Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Blaine. 



Beitish Legation, 

 WasMngton, December 8^ 1891. (Received December 9.) 



Sir: The Marquis of Salisbury, to whom I telegraphed the contents 

 of your letter of the 2d instant on the subject of the sixth article of the 

 proposed Bering Spa Arbitration agreement, is under the impression 

 that the President has not rightly understood his lordship's apprehen- 

 sion with reference to the regulations to be made by the Arbitrators 

 under that article. His fear is not that the other powers will reject the 

 regulations, but that they will refuse to allow the arrest by British and 

 American cruisers of ships under their flag which may engage in the 

 fur-seal fishery in violation of the regulations. Such refusal is highly 

 probable in view of the jealousy which exists as to the right of search 

 on the high seas, and the consequence must inevitably be that during 

 the close season sealing will go on under other Hags. 



It can not be the intention of the two Governments, in signing the 

 proposed agreement, to arrive at such a result. 



I do not understand you to dispute that should such a state of things 

 arise the agreement must collapse, as the two Governments could not 

 be expected to enfor{;e on their respective nationals regulations which 

 are violated under foreign flags to the serious injury of the fishery. 



