Broglie to Marquis de Noailles, June 19, 1873

Duke de Broglie to Marquis de Noailles.

Marquis: On the 9th ultimo my predecessor stated to you the considerations which had induced him to instruct the minister of France at Rome to endeavor to prevent the ratification, on the part of the Italian government, of a draft of a convention prepared by the representative of Italy in Japan, providing for the free travel of Italian citizens in the provinces of the interior.

We have not been alone in regarding the concession made by this agent as dangerous, and the cabinet of London and that of the Hague having joined us in advising the Italian government not to sacrifice the right of jurisdiction over its citizens, it appears, from the reply of M. Fournier, that the cabinet of Rome, sharing our view of the case, will refuse to accept the conditions proposed by the projected convention as a basis of free travel in the interior of the country. The United States would undoubtedly have regretted, as we should have done, to see a privilege which is still so necessary abandoned by one of the powers represented in Japan, and, thinking that the Secretary of State will be glad to learn the decision which has been reached at Rome, I hasten to bring it to your knowledge.

Receive, marquis, the assurances of my high consideration.