711.428/1284
The Canadian Minister (Massey) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honour to refer to Mr. Castle’s note of November 5th. 192824 concerning the carrying out of the recommendations of the International Fisheries Commission for the preservation of the Northern Pacific halibut fishery, in which he stated that it was hoped that the United States Government would shortly be in a position to inform the Government of Canada of its views on the proposals made in this Legation’s note No. 126 of August 24th. 1928.25 In Mr. Castle’s further note of April 3rd. 192926 concerning a conference suggested by the Government of Canada to discuss all outstanding fisheries questions, it was stated that it was deemed inadvisable by the United States Government to undertake a general discussion of the [Page 61] fisheries situation pending the conclusion of a new treaty governing the halibut fishing industry.
The International Commission established under the provisions of the Treaty for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the North Pacific of 1923,27 submitted its first report to the two Governments early in 1928,28 making five recommendations for the protection of the fishery, including a recommendation to extend the length of the close season. The report and recommendations were approved by both Governments, but Mr. Kellogg, in a note dated 2nd. August 1928,29 stated that the United States Government considered that a new Treaty was necessary to put the recommendations into effect. In replying to this note the Government of Canada stated that the existing Canadian legislation gave adequate powers to carry out the recommendations, but that no objection was made to the proposal of the United States for the conclusion of a new Treaty. The necessity, therefore, of a further international agreement to make the Commission’s recommendations effective has arisen in the United States.
I am instructed to represent that His Majesty’s Government in Canada consider that action should be taken at an early date to conclude a Treaty to make effective the recommendations of the International Commission, which have been formally approved by both Governments, in order that the work of the International Commission may be proceeded with as soon as possible. I am desired to express the earnest hope that, in order that certain pressing questions related to the international fisheries may be dealt with without further postponement, you will concur in this view, and that you will be prepared to conclude the negotiation of the Treaty without delay.
I have [etc.]
- Not printed.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1928, vol. ii, p. 29.↩
- See note of April 3 signed by Mr. Castle for the Secretary of State, p. 76.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1923, vol. i, p. 468.↩
- ibid., 1928, vol. ii, p. 7.↩
- ibid., p. 28.↩