Mr. Draper to Mr. Day.
Rome, Italy, May 21, 1898.
Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 130, of March 25 last, directing me to obtain and forward to the Department copies of any Italian laws which might be in force to prevent the use of the Italian flag for advertising purposes, I beg leave to say that I am informed by the minister for foreign affairs that there are no legislative enactments expressly forbidding the use of the flag for such purposes.
It is none the less understood, however, that no such use of it would be permitted, on account of the lofty meaning and character attached to said flag as the emblem of honor representing the nation.
I have, etc.,