290 



FALKLAND ISLANDS. 



ture, or in any way to molest, interrupt or 

 impede, the vessels or the citizens of the 

 United States of America, while engaged in 

 fishing in the waters or on the shores of the 

 Falkland Islands, and the other places included 

 in the decree of June 10, 1829. 



It appeared to the undersigned that no deli- 

 beration was necessary to enable the govern- 

 ment of this republic to answer this plain ques- 

 tion ; and, therefore, he expressed the hope 

 that the reply might be speedy. But, inas- 

 much, as several days have elapsed since it was 

 made, he must take it for granted that the 

 inquiry was considered futile by his excel- 

 lency — as the fact inquired of was of common 

 notoriety ; inasmuch as the rights claimed by 

 the Argentine republic had been asserted in 

 the decree of June 10, 1829, and in the cor- 

 respondence between D. Tomas Manuel de 

 Anchorena, formerly minister of foreign affairs, 

 and George W. Slacum, Esq., consul of the 

 United States ; that minister having, in his com- 

 munication to Mr. Slacum, of date December 

 3, 1831; denied the right of the United States 

 to the fisheries in question ; while he asserted 



