§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has yet received a reply from the American Government to the Marquess of Salisbury's Despatch of the 24th March, and which contained proposals for a settlement of the Anglo-American Fisheries disputes; if so, will he be good enough to favour the House with a synopsis of the answer; and, what measures (pending existing negotiations) Her Majesty's Government, in conjunction with that of Canada, intend adopting for the purpose of preventing further friction and ill feeling between the two Governments, by the seizure of American ships, during the approaching fishery season?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N. E.)No reply has yet been received to the Marquess of Salisbury's 855 Despatch of the 24th of March. The measures to be taken during the ensuing fishing season for the protection of the inshores will be similar to those taken last year, which were warranted under the terms of existing Treaty arrangements between Great Britain and the United States. Her Majesty's Government entertain no doubt that the Canadian Government will use all possible moderation compatible with the protection of the public interests; and they also hope that vessels from the United States will give no occasion for interference with them.