Schlözer to Evarts, December 2, 1878

No. 184. Mr. Schlözer to Mr. Evarts.

Esteemed Mr. Secretary of State: It sometimes happens that goods imported from abroad, on which the legal import duty has been; paid, are subsequently re-exported and returned to the parties who sent them.

My government is now desirous to know whether, according to the laws of this country, the import duty is, in such cases, refunded to the sender.

I think I am not mistaken in the belief that this duty is refunded only in case the goods have been uninterruptedly in the custody of the custom-house officers, but I beg you, esteemed Mr. Secretary of State, to have the kindness to furnish me with official information on this point.

Accept on this occasion a renewed assurance of my most distinguished consideration.