Nr. 7992.
Gross-

which had been inserted in the Treaty of Berlin and in previous Treaties, britannien, prohibiting the erection of fortifications.

14.März1883. Her Majesty's Government believe, that the arrangements thus made will be found to be satisfactory. The European Commission has now exercised its functions for more than a quarter of a century to the common advantage, and in a manner to command general confidence. It would have been a serious misfortune if its existence had been brought to a termination by dissensions among the Powers. By the present agreement it has been prolonged for a long term of years, with the prospect, it may be hoped, of further indefinite prolongation. Its powers have been extended in a manner which Her Majesty's Government have long considered to be desirable for the convenience of maritime commerce.

On the other hand, there is no reason to apprehend, that its operations will be impeded, or its efficiency impaired, by the concessions made to Russia and Roumania in regard to the supervision of the Kilia branch. Nor can the right allowed to Russia and Roumania, of constructing in that branch and its embouchures works of a commercial nature for the purpose of improving the navigation, be considered as likely to be otherwise than advantageous to native and foreign trade, full precautions having been taken that neither the works themselves, nor the dues to be levied in regard to them, shall be of a nature to interfere with the proper maintenance of the Sulina channel.

The Regulations for the section of the river between the Iron Gates and Ibraïla, which were settled by the European Commission after consultation with the Delegates of all the Riverain States, have been further amended with the view of meeting the objections still urged by the Riverain Governments to some of their provisions.

A period of six months has been assigned for the exchange of the ratifications of the Treaty, during which time it is to be hoped, that the adhesion of all the Riverain Powers will be received.

It was the unanimous desire of the Plenipotentiaries throughout their discussions, that due regard should be had to the wishes of those States, and Her Majesty's Government, believing that the settlement arrived at is of a nature favourable to their interests, feel no hesitation in urging its acceptance upon them, and have requested the other Powers who are parties to the Treaty to join in this step. || I am, &c.

Granville.

Druck von Bär & Hermann in Leipzig.