PERIOD FROM 1905 TO 1909. 965 



As I told you, I have no information regarding the alleged action 

 of the Newfoundland Government in forbidding the American ves- 

 sels to fish upon the treaty coast, but I have telegraphed for full in- 

 formation both to the Foreign Office and to Newfoundland direct. 



Meanwhile, I trust that until we know for certain what the facts 

 are you will do what you can to prevent any action on the part of the 

 American fishermen which could tend to complicate the'situation. I 

 will do my best to prevent any such action on the part of our people. 

 I remain, etc., 



H. M. DURAND. 



Sir H. M. Durand to Mr. Root. 



BRITISH EMBASSY, 

 Washington, October Ifa 1905. 



DEAR MR. SECRETARY: In answer to my telegram sent last night 

 regarding the alleged action of the Newfoundland Minister of Marine 

 and Fisheries in forbidding American vessels to fish on the treaty 

 coast, the Governor of Newfoundland telegraphs as follows : 



" Your telegram this morning. My Ministers regard report en- 

 tirely improbably (sic). Minister Fisheries on Fiona. Duty not 

 connected American fisheries. Will obtain report when Minister 

 Fisheries accessible telegraph." 



If, therefore, the alleged prohibition has been issued it is evidently 

 not by direction of the Newfoundland Government. 



I hope the Minister's report, when received, will clear up the matter 

 satisfactorily. 



I remain, etc., H. M. DURAND. 



Sir H. M. Durand to Mr. Root. 



BRITISH EMBASSY, 

 Washington, October 19, 1905. 



DEAR MR. SECRETARY: In continuation of my letter of the 14th 

 instant, I am now able to inform you that a telegram has been re- 

 ceived by the Government of Newfoundland from the Minister of 

 Marine. The Minister says that the statement that he has forbidden 

 vessels on American register to fish on the treaty coast is without 

 foundation. He has exercised no interference whatever with such 

 vessels. Therefore, whatever may be the facts in regard to the alleged 

 interference by subordinate officials, about which you spoke to me to- 

 day, it is clear that the statement originally received by you was not 

 correct. 



I remain, etc., H. M. DURAND. 



