Charles R. Lowell to Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, August 28, 1883

No. 244. Mr. Lowell to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: I have the honor to acquaint you that I received on the 23d instant from Lord Granville a note, a copy of which I inclose herewith, * * * in which he inquires whether Her Majesty’s Government correctly understand the intention of the United States Government to be that the-provisions of Article XXXII, which relate to Newfoundland, shall cease to be in force and operation at the same time as the articles recited in the notice which relate to the Dominion of Canada, treaty of 1871.

It seems to me that the protocol of the conference held by the Secretary of State and the British minister May 28, 1874 (see supplement of the Revised Statutes, Vol. I, p. 622), and recited in the proclamation of the President May 29, 1874, sufficiently declares that the articles from 18 to 25 inclusive, and Article XXX of the treaty shall take effect, so far as Newfoundland is concerned, in accordance with Article XXXIII, and I should think, therefore, that the notice under Article XXXIII of the termination of the first-mentioned articles must apply by implication to Newfoundland as well as to the Dominion of Canada.

I have thought it better, however, not to discuss the question with his lordship, but to refer his inquiry to the Department of State. I herewith inclose copy of my reply.

I have, &c.,