Charles C. Marsh to William H. Seward, October 6, 1866
Mr. Marsh to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith a translation of a circular from the ministry of foreign affairs sent to this legation by way of reply to Mr. Clay’s note of the 26th September, 1866, relative to the liability of American citizens residing in Italy to assessment for forced loans, together with a copy of a note which I addressed to the ministry in answer.
I was assured at the foreign office yesterday that proceedings against American residents in Italy for the collection of assessments under the royal decree would be suspended a sufficient time to allow of action on the part of foreign governments respecting the subject.
I have the honor to be, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
Note from the ministry of foreign affairs.
While the government of the King was occupied with the regulations necessary for the collection of the national loan promulgated by royal decree of the 28th of July last, several legations addressed notes to the royal ministry of foreign affairs in order to obtain for their respective citizens exemption from contribution to this loan, basing their claim upon treaty stipulations between their governments and the government of the King.
The royal minister of finance has had the question under consideration, and, while he recognizes that the exemption invoked is guaranteed to some of the states by treaty, for others it can only be claimed on a liberal interpretation of the article which stipulates the treatment of the most favored nation, or by the fact of reciprocity established by common accord on the subject.
From this consideration the royal minister of finance has decided that for foreigners belonging to the first category the exemption be accorded in full, and that the same favor be extended to the subjects of the states in the other categories on the condition that the respective legations shall file with the government of the King an official declaration to the effect that the governments which they represent engage to observe in like case the principle of reciprocity to the benefit of Italian subjects residing in their territories. As the measures taken for the collection of the loan cannot be interrupted, it is essential that this declaration should be transmitted as early as possible to the ministry of foreign affairs of his Majesty the King of Italy.