The French Shore question, 1865-1878

Neary, Peter (1961) The French Shore question, 1865-1878. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

From 1865 to 1878 the dispute over French rights in Newfoundland included the question of Newfoundland included the question of Newfoundland territorial control over the French Shore as well as the older controversy concerning exclusive and concurrent rights in the fishery. This newer aspect of the French Shore Question partially resulted from the intense competition between France and Newfoundland in the fishery. -- After 1815 the French had established a prosperous fishery off Newfoundland based on the Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon and on the French Shore. This state-supported industry by creating strong competition for Newfoundland fishery products in world markets threatened the colony’s one-product economy. Newfoundland had retaliated at first by legislation aimed at restricting the French fishery. When this failed, an effort was made to provide alternative sources of employment of an expanding population by developing the other resources of the island. As the French Shore was considered a prime region for development, Newfoundlanders, since about 1850, had been trying to extend government and industry to this area. Between 1865 and 1878 this effort was characterized by the demand of the Newfoundland government for the right to appoint magistrates and grant land on the shore. The Imperial government, worried over possible French reaction, at first refused both these demands. Instead, hoping to satisfy the colonists while avoiding any dispute with France, they proposed in 1868 the resumption of the fishery negotiations which had been suspended in 1861. The French proved reluctant but eventually agreed in July, 1873. But the Miller-Boissoudy discussions which followed failed to produce any agreement. Together with the persistent agitation in Newfoundland this led the British in 1878 to make a concession in principle to the colony by appointing a magistrate on the French Shore. When F.B.T. Carter retired as Premier that year, the over optimistic impression in Newfoundland was that his negotiations with the Imperial government had solved the question of British territorial rights on the French Shore.

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