WURTS, Secretary of Legation to The Noble Chevalier Visconti Venosta, July 9, 1871

Sir: In a conversation I had the honor to hold with you at the ministry of foreign affairs at Florence, on the 25th of Jane last, I expressed the hope that the law passed by the parliament then in session, providing, among other things, for the imposition of an increased import duty an petroleum, but which I had not seen, was so framed as not to conflict with treaty stipulations, and at the same time to save the rights of American shippers who might have shipped, or made contracts for shipping, this article to Italy before the passage of the law in question could be known in the American market.

I understood you to say, in reply, that in fixing the date at which the law should take effect by royal decree, the equitable rights of bona-fide shippers would be considered, and provision made accordingly.

Importers of American petroleum at Genoa inform me that the additional duty is exacted on petroleum arriving at that port, although shipped before the passage of the law, and of course many days before the existence of the law could have been known to the exporters. The third article of the law (allegato C) is this:

“Articolo 3. Con Decreto Reale saradeterminato il giorno in cuiandranuo in vigore le disposizioni di questa legge.”

The royal decree, (No. 280, series 2,) dated Turin. June 16, 1871, in the concluding paragraph runs thus:

“Ordiniamo che la presente, munita del sigilio * * * * * mandando a chiunque spetti di osservaralaedi farla osservare come legge dello stato.”

In this decree no specific day is appointed for the law to take effect, but I am informed that the revenue officers at Genoa consider the decree as giving immediate force and validity to its provisions, and collect duty accordingly.

I beg to be informed whether any other ordinance or provision than the decree referred to has been made, and that such measures may be taken as shall do justice to bona-fide shippers of petroleum arriving in Italian ports.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance of my high consideration.