§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is correct, as reported by cable from Victoria, British Columbia, that a number of Canadian sealing schooners have been permitted to clear for Behring's Sea with the intention of prosecuting seal fishing, contrary to the Regulations of the United States Alaskan Authorities, carrying large Indian crews for the purpose of waging war upon American Revenue Cutters, should their Commanders attempt to molest them; and, what measures Her Majesty's Government intend adopting for the purpose of arriving at an amicable solution of the Alaskan Fisheries disputes?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The Governor General of Canada has stated, in reply to a telegraphic inquiry, that the rumour referred to by the hon. Member is not confirmed by any information, private or official, in possession of the Dominion Government, and is not credited by them. The question of a settlement of the Alaskan Fisheries disputes is now under the consideration of the two Governments concerned; but it would be premature at this moment to say more than that Her Majesty's Government have no reason to doubt that a satisfactory arrangement will be arrived at.