440 - APPENDIX 



ment has thought fit to pursue has seriously affected public opinion as to the worth 

 of the treaty which it was hoped by both countries had promoted an amicable solution 

 of long-standing difficulties. 



The United States government cannot feel that justice has been done its citizens 

 in the protracted discussion which this occurrence has provoked, and while perfectly 

 willing to endeavor, in concert with Her Britannic Majesty's Government, to find some 

 practical and friendly solution of the differences of construction as to the treaty 

 provisions which their application seems to have developed, this government cannot 

 consent that, pending such discussion, its citizens shall be exposed to the indignity 

 and loss which have been imposed upon them by these and like occurrences. 



You will intimate courteously but firmly to Lord Granville that in accepting what 

 we understand to be the proposition of Her Majesty's Government, it is understood 

 as carrying the idea that the settlement suggested will be put in course of immediate 

 execution, and that the determination of the amount of compensation will not be 

 formally confined by any limitation arising from any construction of the treaty 

 which may be matter of difference between the two governments. 



So useful to the great interests involved do I regard the prompt settlement of this 

 incident in our fishery relations, that I should be glad to hear by telegraph that Lord 

 Granville concurs in the simple form of award which I have proposed. 



In imparting to the British Government these views, you may in your discretion, 

 read this dispatch to Lord Granville, and if he desires it leave him a copy. 



I am. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 

 (Signed) Wm. M. Evarts 



LETTER FROM EARL GRANVILLE TO LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE 

 TREASURY FEBRUARY 26, 1881 1 



• Foreign Office, February 26, 1881 



My Lords, — ^Your Lordships are aware that a correspondence has taken place 

 with the Government of the United States with regard to certain claims of American 

 fishermen on account of the interruption of their fishing on the coast of Newfound- 

 land, amounting to about 120,000 dollars, including interest. 



The Government of the United States suggested that these claims should be referred 

 for assessment to the United States' Secretary of State and Her Majesty's Minister 

 at Washington, or to delegates named by them, but it appeared to Her Majesty's 

 Government that it was, for many reasons, desirable to avoid so dilatory a process 

 of investigation, and I was accordingly authorized by the Cabinet to offer a sum of 

 15,000/ or 7S,ooo dollars, in full settlement of the claims. 



The United States' Minister has informed me to-day that this offer is accepted, 

 and I have stated to him in reply that Her Majesty's Government are ready to hold 

 this sum of 15,000/ at the disposal of the Government of the United States on receiving 

 his assurance that it is accepted in full of all claims arising out of any interruption of 

 American fishermen on the coasts of Newfoundland and its dependencies up to the 

 present time, and without prejudice to any question of the rights of either Government 

 under the Treaty of Washington. , 



I have now therefore to request that your Lordships will be good enough to give 

 the necessary directions for this amount to be held in readiness. 



• Appendix, British Case, p. 292. 



