HC Deb 20 March 1890 vol 342 cc1252-3
MR. THORBURN (Peebles and Selkirk)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the modus vivendi arrived at between Her Majesty's Government and the French Government as to the establishment of lobster factories on the so-called Newfoundland French shore was concluded with the concurrence and approval of the Newfoundland Government?

* SIR J. FERGUSSON

The Newfoundland Government was consulted as to the terms of the modus vivendi, which was modified to some extent in order to meet their views; but it was necessary to conclude it without referring it to them in its final shape. The arrangement is provisional, and for this season only, and does not involve any admission by either Government of the claims made by subjects of the other.