APPENDIX TO CASE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 223 
Such a close time could obviously not be imposed upon our fishermen without notice 
or without a fuller discussion than it has yet undergone. You are awaie that, dur- 
ing the close time enforced by the United States Statute, the seals, although protected 
from slaughter by the use of firearms, may be killed in ereat numbers on their breedin g- 
grounds by the persons who enjoy the monopoly of the trade under Concessions from 
the United States Government. The rest of the yearthese animals are, according 
to Mr. Bayard’s statement in his despatch of the 7th February, 1888, ‘supposed to 
spend in the open sea south of the Aleutian Islands,” where they are probably widely 
scattered and difficult to find. It would appear to follow that, if concurrent regula- 
tions based upon the American Law were to be adopted by Great Britain and the 
United States, the privileges enjoyed by the citizens of the latter Power would 
201 ~—scvbe: little if at all curtailed, while British fishermen would find themselves com- 
pletely excluded from the rights which until lately they have enjoyed without 
question or molestation. 
In making this observation I do not desire to intimate that my Government would 
be averse to entering into a reasonable agreement for protecting the fur-bearing 
animals of the Pacific coast from extermination, but merely that a one-sided restric- 
tion such as that which appeared to be suggested in your telegram could not be sud- 
denly and arbitrarily enforced by my Government upon the fishermen or this country. 
I have, &c. 
(Signed) LANSDOWNE. 
{Inclosure 3 in No. 128.—Telegraphic. ] 
Mr. J. Robson to Sir J. Macdonald. 
Victoria, April 5, 1888. 
As a warning, Lord Lansdowne’s telegram to Lieutenant-Governor was published 
on 29th ultimo, and, I believe, arming has been discontinued, but to avert serious 
trouble assurance of protection continues [?] essential. 
No. 129. 
Colonial Office to Foreign Office.—Received April 28. 
DOWNING STREET, April 27, 1888. 
Sir: With reference to the letter from this Department of the 25th 
instant, I am directed by Lord Knutsford to transmit to you, to be laid 
before the Marquis of Salisbury, a telegram from the Governor- General 
of Canada, explaining the views of the Dominion Government with 
regard to the establishment of a close time for seals in Behring’s Sea. 
Lord Knutsford would be glad to know what reply, if any, Lord Salis- 
bury thinks should be sent. 
Iam, &e. 
(Signed) JOHN BRAMSTON. 
{Inclosure in No. 129.—Telegraphic.] 
The Marquis of Lansdowne to Lord Knutsford. 
(Received at the Colonial Office, April 25, 1888, 10.10 P. mM.) 
If proved to be necessary, Canadian Government will be ready to join other Gov- 
ernments in adopting steps to prevent exterminationof fur-seals in Northern Pacifie 
Ocean, but, before final agreement, desires full information and opportunity for con- 
sidering operation of pr oposed close time. 
Establishment of close time at sea only would give virtual monopoly of seal fish- 
eries to Russia and United States; the latter Power owns the most important breed- 
ing places, in which close time would not operate. 
Rights should be reserved for Canada of terminating arrangemeni after sufficient 
notice, not exceeding two years. 
