194 The Frederick G erring, Jr. 



to reject, but of which the Government of the United States ex- 

 pressed their warm appreciation. 



The Dominion Government recognized the action of the 

 United States Government, referred to in Your Excellency's 

 Note, in releasing six Canadian fishing boats, seized by an Ameri- 

 can cutter, for having crossed the imaginary boundary line in the 

 neighborhood of Point Roberts, on the Pacific Coast, in the sum- 

 mer of 1900. There would appear, however, to be some misap- 

 prehension with regard to these seizures, which were not made for 

 any alleged infraction of Fishery Laws, as stated in Your Ex- 

 cellency's Note, but under the Customs Laws of the United States, 

 for hovering near the coast. The boats in question, mere open 

 fishing craft, had drifted across the imaginary boundary line, with- 

 out any intention of going into United States waters and with- 

 out any means of taking observations or otherwise ascertaining 

 that they had so crossed the line. The courtesy of the United 

 States Government in releasing them was fully appreciated and 

 acknowledged. The Canadian Government on their part in 1891 

 made a similar release of six United States fishing boats seized 

 in the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, because it appeared that 

 they had drifted into Canadian waters in a fog, and had unwit- 

 tingly trespassed, and many instances might be cited wherein dur- 

 ing late years the most generous interpretations have been put 

 upon Canadian Laws and regulations in favor of United States 

 fishing vessels. 



It can thus with justice be said that Canada has not yielded 

 to the United States in courtesy and leniency in this regard. So 

 far, however, as the present case is concerned the Government of 

 the Dominion cannot admit that the seizure of the Frederick 

 Gerring, Jr., was illegal, and His Majesty's Government, much 

 as they would wish to meet the views expressed in Your Ex- 

 cellency's Note, feel that the present claim for compensation is one 

 which they cannot entertain. 



I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration. 

 Your Excellency's most obedient, 

 humble servant 



Landsdowne. 

 His Excellency 



The Honorable J. H. Choate, 

 &c., &c., &c.. 



