The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador.

No. 340.]

Excellency: I beg to acknowledge the receipt on the 23d of October of your note of the 20th relating to the Newfoundland fisheries question.

I wash to express my high appreciation of your observations upon the course which should properly be followed by both sides and my hearty agreement with the spirit and purpose of your expressions. I think that nothing could more promote the patience and good temper which we agree to be so important on the part of every one on the treaty coast than a knowledge of the spirit in which the subject is being dealt with by both governments. Unless it should be disagreeable to you, I purpose to embody the substance of your note in a letter which can be published for the purpose of communicating such a knowledge to our American fishermen.

I have, etc.,

Elihu Root