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of the present state of affairs fishery question, more especially lobsters, 
‘ith the object of determining whether it is possible to submit to 
‘bitration French claims to lobster fishery, and to consult with him 
to terms of reference ; also, to consult as to Bait Acts and marking 
f fishing boats. When can he probably leave early in the year? 
Secretary of State to Governor, 23rd December, 1889, 
4 Referring to my telegram of 16th December,—Desire to be furnished 
ith earliest possible information as to Whiteway’s probable date of 
eparture. Naval officers must be brought home. 
Governor to Secretary of State, 24th December, 1889. 
E Whiteway cannot leave until about the end of March—perhaps not 
efore the end of the Session. 
Secretary of State to Governor, 29th January, 1890. 
_ An agreement is proposed with the Government of France for a 
dus vivendi during the coming fishing season, which will give more 
ime for negotiations on the lobster factory difficulty—namely, that 
ere shall be no alteration in the position of British lobster factories 
1” grounds as existing on Ist July last year; and the French Govern- 
nent agree that they will undertake to grant no new lobster fishing 
| concessions this year on fishing grounds occupied by British subjects on 
t before Ist July last year. In case of any competition in the same 
ality, the naval commanders on the station will be authorised to 
ike a temporary arrangement delimitating the boundaries of their 
spective fisheries, All questions as to rights are reserved by both 
Governor to Secretary of State, 30th January, 1890. 
4 Am I correct in assuming that the agreement provides that the 
| English may not establish any new factories this year, but that the 
French are permitted to do so provided that the ground they select was 
“not occupied by the English previous to 1st July last ? 
Secretary of State to Governor, 8th February, 1890. 
Referring to your message of 30th ult.,—The proposed modus vivendi 
ecognises for this season only the lobster factories of both countries 
s ey existed on Ist July last. Factories may, however, be trans- 
| ed to other localities, if approved of by the naval officers of both 
3 ions. No new concession for lobster catching to be conceded this 
by either Goyernment. This is strictly provisional, and only for 
is season, 
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