A.—2

156

A.-l, 1912, No. 74.

protect the Japanese herd, or to increase its number; but it is agreed, nevertheless, on the part of Japan that during the last ten years of the term of this convention not less than 5 per cent, of the total number of seals on the Japanese rookeries and hauling-grounds will be killed annually, provided that said 5 per cent, does not exceed 85 per cent, of the three-year-old male seals hauling in such year. If, however, the total number of seals frequenting the Japanese islands in any year falls below 6,500, enumerated by official count, then the allowance of skins mentioned above and all killing of seals, except such as may be necessary for the support of the Natives on the islands, may be suspended until the number of such seals again exceeds 6,500, enumerated in like manner. Article 11/.. It is agreed on the part of Great Britain thai, in case any seal herd hereafter resorts to any islands or shores of the waters defined in Article 1 subject to the jurisdiction of Great Britain there shall be delivered at the end of each season during the term of this convention 10 per cent, gross in number and value of the total number of sealskins annually taken from such herd to an authorized agent of the United States Government, 10 per cent, gross in number and value of the total number of sealskins annually taken from such herd to an authorized agent of the Japanese Government, and 10 per cent, gross in number and value of the total number of sealskins annually taken from such herd to an authorized agent of the Russian Government. Article 15. It is further agreed between the United States and Great Britain that the provisions of this convention shall supersede, in so far as they are inconsistent therewith or in duplication thereof, the provisions of the treat} 7 relating to the fur seals entered into between the United States ami Great Britain on the 7th day of February, 1911. Article 16. This convention shall go into effect upon the 15th day- of December, 1911, and shall continue in force for a period of fifteen years from that date, and thereafter until terminated by twelve months' written notice given by one or more of the parties to all of the others, which notice may be given at the expiration of fourteen years or at any time afterwards; and it is agreed that at any time prior to the termination of this convention, upon the request of any one of the high contracting parties, a conference shall be held forthwith between the representatives of all the parties hereto to consider, and, if possible, agree upon a further extension of this convention, with such additions and modifications, if any, as may be found desirable. Article 17. This convention shall be ratified by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, by His Britannic Majesty, by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and by His Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias; and ratification shall be exchanged at Washington as soon as practicable. In faith whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed this convention in quadruplicate, and have hereunto affixed their seals. Done at Washington, the 7th day of July, 1911. Charles Nagel. Chandler P, Anderson. James Bryce. Joseph Pope. Y. Uohida. H Dauke. P. Botkine. NOLDE. No. 141. New Zealand, No. 413. My Lord,— Downing Street, 29th December, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, n 0 X4O, of the 9th November, and to request you to inform your Ministers that their desire that notice should be given of the accession of New Zealand to the International Convention for the Suppression of Obscene Publications has been communicated to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. You will no doubt report at an early date the authority to be designated by your Government under Article 1 of the Convention. I have, &o, L. HARCOURT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.

No. 141. New Zealand, No. 413. My Lord, — Downing Street, 29th December, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. liO, of the 9th November, and to request you to inform your Ministers that their desire that notice should be given of the accession of New Zealand to the International Convention for the Suppression of Obscene Publications has been communicated to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. You will no doubt report at an early date the authority to be designated by your Government under Article 1 of the Convention. I have, &c, L. HAECOUET. Governor the Eight Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.