Mr. Adee to Mr. Hengelmüller.
Washington, July 21, 1897.
Sir: Referring to your note of the 2d instant, in regard to a case in which execution of a judgment of a justice of the peace in Allegheny County, Pa., is sought in Croatia, where it can only be granted in the event of reciprocity existing in Pennsylvania for the like judgments rendered in Croatia, I have the honor to inclose for your information a copy of a letter1 from the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, stating—
that under the laws of Pennsylvania the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction in Croatia would he respected to the extent of permitting such judgment to be sued upon in the courts of Pennsylvania, the judgment itself, when properly proven to have been given, upon due notice to the defendant, according to the laws of Croatia, forming the basis of the suit here, and would be accepted as conclusive of the rights adjudicated between the parties in the country where the judgment was rendered. In the suit thus brought in Pennsylvania on a judgment rendered in Croatia, the defendant would have the right to defend only as to matters arising since the rendition of the judgment, such as payment made, a release, etc. No execution would be permitted to issue on a foreign judgment until judgment was obtained here upon such foreign judgment, in the manner above indicated.
Accept, etc.,
Acting Secretary.
- Not printed.↩