Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 4.djvu/722

 4070 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [61 STAT. our own and Canadian citizens. It is true that shortly after the World War modification of the Agreement was studied in this country and in Canada, with a view to making its provisions conform more closely to modern conditions, and a stage was even reached where the Governments exchanged drafts of suggested changes. The pro- posed changes were never actually agreed upon, however, and Mr. Hull is inclined to think that the two Governments were wise to allow the matter to fall into abeyance, since it is highly debatable whether the realization of their limited objectives would have compensated for the disappearance of the 1817 Agreement as a symbol of the friendly relations between the two countries for over a century. It was perhaps inevitable that an agreement, the technical provisions of which became obsolete more than half a century ago, should from time to time have been subjected to what may have been considered technical violations by both parties, and of such instances there is a clear record. We believe it can be successfully maintained, however, that without a degree of tolerance the Agreement could scarcely have survived to the present day in its original form. But it is a fact of equal significance that even when the two Governments felt compelled to depart from a strict observance of its terms they were concerned that the spirit underlying it should be preserved. I understand from information furnished by our Navy Department that the following five vessels of the United States Navy are now serving on the Great Lakes: Slmp Launched PraentLocation Dsplacement Battuer DUBUQUE 1905 Detroit 1085 None HAWK 1891 Michigan City 375 None PADUCAH 1905 Duluth 1085 None WILMINGTON 1897 Toledo 1392 None WILMETTE 1903 Chicago 2600 4-4"/50 2-3"/50A.A. 2-1 pdr. In a number of respects the presence there of these vessels may not be considered entirely in keeping with a literal interpretation of the Rush-Bagot Agreement. On the other hand, it seems proper to take into account the fact that the vessels of our Navy now on the Great Lakes are there with the knowledge of the Canadian Government, written permission having been obtained for the passage of four of them through the Canadian canals en route to their stations. The case of the Wilmette is somewhat different, this vessel having been constructed on the lakes as a commercial vessel and subsequently taken over by our Navy during the World War. In considering the number and size, disposition, functions and armaments of naval vessels in relation to the provisions of the Rush- Bagot Agreement, it is Mr. Hull's view, with which I feel sure you will agree, that the primary concern of both Governments is to maintain at all costs the spirit which underlies that Agreement and which is representative of the feelings of the Canadian and American people

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