711.42157M51/29

The Minister in Canada (Armour) to the Secretary of State

No. 216

Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Department’s instruction No. 17 of August 26, 1935, (file No. 711.42157M51/24) relative to the report of the International Lake Memphremagog Board of May 14, 1934, and instructing me to address a note to the Canadian Government expressing the concurrence of the American Government in the recommendations of the Board and inquiring whether the Canadian Government approves them.

A note was accordingly sent to the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs in this sense, and a reply has now been received stating that the Canadian Government is also of the opinion that the Board’s recommendations afford a satisfactory solution to the Memphremagog problem and concurs therein.

It is of interest to note the precautionary measure adopted by the Canadian Government, following submission of the Board’s report, in securing full cooperation from the Dominion Textile Company in carrying out the Board’s recommendations pending final definite action upon the report by the two Governments.

I should like to point out, in connection with the Canadian reply, the happy tone of the note, particularly of the concluding paragraph. It may also be remarked that the note was signed personally by the Prime Minister in his capacity of Secretary of State for External Affairs and is the first received from Mackenzie King since he took over the reins of office on October 23, 1935.

Copies of my note No. 35 of September 20, 1935, to the Canadian Government,58 and of the Canadian reply, note No. 124 of November 6, 1935, are enclosed, since it is presumed that the notes may perhaps be incorporated in the Executive Agreement Series.59 Should this be desired, I should appreciate receiving in due course a draft of any announcement which it may be proposed to make in making public the outcome of this matter. I have been assured informally by the Canadian Government that there will be no objection to the publication of its note in question; however, I should appreciate the receipt of an instruction requesting me to approach the Canadian Government in writing on this point. Should it be decided to issue any public statement with regard to the agreement reached between the two Governments I have no doubt the Canadian authorities would appreciate simultaneous issuance thereof.

Respectfully yours,

Norman Armour
[Page 56]
[Enclosure]

The Canadian Prime Minister and Secretary of State for External Affairs (Mackenzie King) to the American Minister (Armour)

No. 124

Sir: I have the honour to refer to your note No. 35, dated the 20th September, 1935, concerning the Lake Memphremagog situation.

It is noted that the despatch briefly reviews the history of the international problem which developed in the Lake Memphremagog area and refers to the arrangements made by the governments of Canada and the United States which resulted in the appointment of the International Lake Memphremagog Board to report upon the level or levels at which the Lake should be, as far as possible, maintained.

The despatch finally refers to the report of the Board dated May 14, 1934, as submitted, quotes the Board’s recommendations as to the principles which should govern the regulation of the flow of water from the Lake, and expresses the concurrence of the Government of the United States in the recommendations as a satisfactory solution of the problem at the present time.

I may say that His Majesty’s government in Canada has given careful consideration to the report of the Board and to the recommendations contained therein, and is also of the opinion that these recommendations afford a satisfactory solution to the Memphremagog problem. The Government of Canada is, therefore, pleased to join with the Government of the United States in concurring in these recommendations.

It may be added that, immediately following its receipt of the Board’s report, the Government of Canada, as a precautionary measure designed to safeguard international interests, brought the Board’s recommendations to the attention of the Dominion Textile Company which operates the dam at the outlet of the lake, and impressed upon the Company the necessity of exercising the utmost care in seeing that the recommendations of the Board were observed pending final definite action upon the report by the two Governments. There has been wholehearted co-operation on the part of the Company, and arrangements have been effected whereby records of its operations are being filed with the appropriate administrative office of the government, in order that their effect upon lake levels may be checked.

The Government of the United States may be assured that every effort will be made to ensure that the operation of the dam will be carried on in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.

The Government of Canada joins with the Government of the United States in the expectation that the recommendations of the Board will prove a satisfactory solution to the problem which has been, [Page 57] to some extent, a source of international irritation, and is confident that the action taken will prevent the arising of any situation that could be the subject of justifiable complaint.

Accept [etc.]

W. L. Mackenzie King
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not incorporated into Executive Agreement Series.