Treaty of Washington

Washington, Treaty of (1871) Agreement settling a number of disputes involving the USA, Britain, and Canada. The most serious was the question of the Alabama claims, which was submitted to international arbitration. US-Canadian disputes over fisheries and the border were also resolved.

Treaty of Washington May, 1871, agreement concluded between the United States and Great Britain in Washington, D.C. Its principal articles provided for determination of the Alabama claims by an international commission. The treaty also provided for arbitration of the San Juan Boundary Dispute and of the Canadian-American fisheries controversy. Hamilton Fish , who was chiefly responsible for bringing about the treaty, headed the five American commissioners in the negotiations. The British delegation was led by the 2d earl (later 1st marquess) of Ripon.

Washington, treaty of, 1871. The USA claimed compensation from Britain for the depredations of the Alabama, a Confederate warship built in England during the Civil War. Also in dispute was access to the Canadian fisheries and ownership of San Juan Island off British Columbia. Britain agreed to arbitration: San Juan was awarded to the USA, and £15.5 million was paid for the Alabama claims. Although a poor settlement for Britain and Canada, the treaty was a milestone in international arbitration.