HC Deb 28 March 1890 vol 343 cc176-8
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of the Government has been directed to the following Reuter's telegram from St. John's, Newfoundland:— An immense demonstration and mass meeting of colonists took place here yesterday in connection with the Fisheries Question. Resolutions were unanimously passed indignantly protesting against the modus vivendi recently arrived at on the subject between France and England. The meeting authorised Memorials to be drawn up to the Queen and the Imperial Parliament, demanding the extinction of French claims in the island, and appointed delegates to urge in London the importance of the present crisis; and whether, in view of the strong feeling in Newfoundland, the Government will take steps to open up fresh negotiations with France, in order that a fresh modus vivendi may be arrived at on the Fishery Question, which will meet with the sanction of Newfoundlanders?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

Her Majesty's Government have seen the Report telegraphed. The House will see that no modus vivendi could be arrived at which would satisfy those who desire the extinction of French claims in Newfoundland. The matter in question is the respective rights of British and French fishermen under a certain Treaty. Her Majesty's Government and the French Government are approaching a basis of settlement; and, in the meantime, have agreed that without compromising principles or rights involved, the status quo as regards lobster-fishing and factories on the so-called French shore shall be maintained, thus obviating temporarily causes of dispute and possible conflict. The modus vivendi only applies to the season now opening. I may add that three days ago the modus vivendi was violently attacked in the French Chamber, and the right of the colonial fishermen to catch lobsters on the French shore at all was energetically denied by the Minister. A modus vivendi is therefore necessary. I think I have already stated that the despatch explaining the steps which led to the modus vivendi and giving the full text of it had not reached Newfoundland when the meeting in question was held. It will, in fact, not roach the Colony till next week. The policy of the arrangement will then be better understood.

MR. W. REDMOND

In view of the extraordinarily excited state of public feeling in Newfoundland over this question will the Government take the earliest opportunity of cableing the full text of the arrangement with France?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

Her Majesty's Government have repeatedly expressed a wish that the Premier of Newfoundland should visit this country; and they think it very desirable that delegates from the Colony should attend here, in order that British interests may not be injured by action hastily taken by persons in the Colony without full information.

MR. W. REDMOND

Is not the excitement in Newfoundland due to the fact that the full nature of the arrangement come to is not understood; and, if so, will Her Majesty's Government send out a full account? Will the Premier of Newfoundland, who has been invited to visit this country, be consulted before any final arrangement is come to?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

I have stated that a despatch giving all information is. on its way to Newfoundland; but I cannot venture to indicate what may be done in the future. No doubt the feeling of the Colony will be consulted.