Cantagalli to William H. Seward, February 28, 1867

Mr. Cantagalli to Mr. Seward

The undersigned, charge d’affaires of his Majesty the King of Italy, has just received a communication from the minister of foreign affairs in Florence, announcing to him the conclusion of a treaty of commerce and navigation with Japan and China, for the purpose of establishing relations of exchange and amity with those two countries upon a regular basis.

In conformity with the instructions which he has received upon that subject, the undersigned, while mentioning the event to the honorable William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States, has the honor to inform him at the same time that, for the ulterior accomplishment of the intentions of the government of the King, a new diplomatic post has been created in the capital of Japan. Count V. de la Tour, a very distinguished diplomatist, has been appointed to perform the important functions of minister at that legation.

Without mentioning the many advantages the government of the King hopes to derive from this determination, dictated by very important interests of a general nature, the undersigned will remind the Hon. Secretary that a friendly intercourse with Japan is of particular importance in one of the principal branches of Italian industry, namely, the production of silk-worms.

The attention of the government, in its solicitude for the welfare of the nation, has long been attracted in this direction; but the political circumstances of late years have prevented till now the execution of a project that had been determined on and prepared for some time.

It is desirable that Count deLa Tour, who will soon repair to his post, should be welcomed by his colleagues, the representatives of the different nations, and receive from them that effective support which he will need in the exercise of his duties, that his mission may be crowned with the success expected of it. The talents of the representative of the United States, and his experience from a long residence in the country, to whose assistance the government of the King seems to attach a special importance, will be a very valuable aid to the minister of the King.

In view of these circumstances, the undersigned has the honor to request the Hon. Secretary to instruct the representative of the United States in accordance with what has been said; and accepts the opportunity to renew to him the assurances of his very high regard.