PERIOD FROM 1905 TO 1909. 1011 



fcions settled by arbitration before the Hague Tribunal, and the 

 United States Government are being so informed, and a communica- 

 tion will be addressed to you on procedure relating to that subject, 

 but I shall be glad, in the meantime, of the observations of your 

 Prime Mninister upon the continuance of last year's Modus Vivendi, 

 especially whether he attaches more importance to the prohibition of 

 the employment of Newfoundland fishermen or to that of the use of 

 purse seines. Telegraph reply. ELGIN. 



Lord Elgin to Governor-General Grey. 



[Telegram.] 



(Sent 5.25 p.m., August 8, 1907.) 



Fishery dispute between United States and Newfoundland. 

 As your Prime Minister is aware, Newfoundland Government 

 expressed desire for reference of dispute to the Hague Tribunal. 

 American Government have now declared that they cannot acquiesce 

 in proposals which, after consulting Sir R. Bond, His Majesty's 

 Government have made to them for amicable settlement of dispute 

 and which went further than Bond wished ; and they also have asked 

 that pending questions under Treaty of 1818 may be referred to the 

 arbitration of the Hague Tribunal. 



We are of opinion that it would be out of the question to refuse this 

 proposal, pressed upon us as it is both by Newfoundland and the 

 United States Government, but before replying to United States we 

 should be glad to learn whether your Government agree in principle. 

 If so, you will be further consulted in due course in regard to terms of 

 reference, procedure, costs, &c. ELGIN. 



Governor-General Grey to Lord Elgin. 



[Telegram.] 



(Received 8.10 p. m., August 14, 1907.) 



Referring to your telegram of the 8th August, respecting the 

 fishery question, opinion is still entertained by my responsible 

 advisers that the Treaty of 1818 concerning right of American 

 fishermen in British waters is clear and without ambiguity. Since, 

 however, Government of Newfoundland has expressed a wish for 

 reference of the dispute to the Hague Tribunal they deem it their 

 duty to assist Newfoundland, and to agree to such a reference. 

 GREY. 



Governor MacGregor to Lord Elgin. 



[Telegram.] 



(Received 7.45 p. m., August 80, 1907.) 



I have laid before Ministers a telegram received from Mr. Bryce 

 stating that he has been informed by the United States Government 

 that the unarmed revenue cutter "Gresham" sails on 1st September 



