SIR, By the 3rd article of the Convention which I have this day signed with you there is an agreement for the reciprocal delivery in certain cases of criminals fugitive from justice, but it becomes necessary that I should apprise you that this article can have no legal effect within the Dominions of Great Britain until confirmed by Act of Parliament. It is possible that Parliament may not be in Session before the Exchange of the ratifications of the Convention, but its sanction shall be asked at the earliest possible period and no doubt can be entertained that it will be given. In Her Majesty's territories in Canada, where cases for acting under this convention are likely to be of more frequent occurrence, the Governor General has sufficient power under the authority of local legislation, and the Convention will there be acted upon, so soon as its ratification shall be known, but it becomes my duty to inform you of the short delay which may possibly intervene in giving full effect to it where the confirmation by Parliament becomes necessary for its execution.
I beg, Sir, to renew to you the assurance of my high consideration
ASHBURTON
The Honble DANIEL WEBSTER
&c &c &c
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Source: Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America. Edited by Hunter Miller Volume 4 Documents 80-121 : 1836-1846 Washington : Government Printing Office, 1934. |