Mr. Seward to Mr.
Van Valkenburgh
No. 11.]
Department of State,
Washington,
March 5, 1867.
Sir: Here with I enclose a copy in translation
of a note which was addressed to this department on the 28th ultimo, by
Mr. Cantagalli, charge d’affaires of his Majesty the King of Italy,
announcing the conclusion of a treaty of commerce between that
government and the governments of Japan and China, and stating also
that, for the ulterior accomplishment of the intentions of the
government of the King, a new diplomatic post had been created in the
capital of Japan, to be filled by Count V. de la Tour, a distinguished
diplomatist, who will soon depart upon his mission.
You are instructed to comply with the wishes of the Italian government,
as expressed in the note of Mr. Cantagalli, by extending to the new
minister, on his arrival in Japan, such support as he may need in the
accomplishment of the important objects of his mission.
Your despatches to No. 56 of the 10th of November last, have been
received.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Mr. Cantagalli to Mr. Seward
Legation of Italy to the United
States,
Washington,
February 28, 1867.
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
[Page 29]
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.
Hon. William H. Seward
&c., &c., &c.
