458 APPENDIX TO CASE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 
No. 311. 
Foreign Office to Colonial Office. 
FOREIGN OFFICE, March 20, 1890. 
Srr: With reference to my letter of the 15th instant, I am directed 
by the Marquis of Salisbury to transmit herewith, for the information 
of Secretary Lord Knutsford, a copy of a telegram from Sir J. Paunce- 
fote,* reporting on the present state of the negotiations on the Beh- 
ring’s Sea question. 
I am at the same time to say that, before taking any further action 
in regard to this telegram, Lord Salisbury proposes to wait for informa- 
tion from Sir J. Pauncefote as to whether the Canadian Govern- 
419 ment are disposed to take a favourable view of the Convention 
which he has drafted for the protection of the fur seals resort- 
ing to Behring’s Sea. 
lam, &e. 
(Signed) P. CURRIE. 
No. 312. 
Sir J. Pauncefote to the Marquis of Salisbury.—( Received by telegraph, 
March 26.) 
WASHINGTON, March 26, 1890. 
My¥ Lorp: I have the honour to report that some of to-day’s news- 
papers announce the publication of the Proclamation relating to the 
seal fishery in Behring’s Sea, which the President of the United States 
is bound by law to issue ‘“‘at a timely season in each year.” 
Mr. Blaine told me a few days ago that it was ready for publication. 
I have, &c. 
(Signed) JULIAN PAUNCEFOTE. 
No. 313. 
Sir J. Pauncefote to the Marquis of Salisbury.—( Received March 31.) 
WASHINGTON, March 21, 1890. 
My Lorp: In continuation of my despatch of the 1st instant relat- 
ing to the Behring’s Sea fisheries, I have the honour to report that the 
first formal meeting of the Conference between the Secretary of State, 
M. de Struve (the Russian Minister), and myself took place on the 3rd 
instant, and that Mr. Tupper, the Canadian Minister of Marine and 
Fisheries, was present on the occasion. 
A long discussion took place on the subject of a close season. Mr. 
Blaine and M. de Struve contended that not only was a close season 
indispensable for the preservation of the fur-seal species, but that no 
close season would be effectual for securing the object in view unless 
during the period of its duration all sealing vessels of whatever nation- 
ality were absolutely excluded from the Behring’s Sea. 
~ *No. 308. 
