Mr. Draper to Mr. Hay.
Rome, Italy , November 14, 1898 .
Sir: I beg leave to report to you that I learn that an attempt is about to be made to replace the Italian consular visé on meats of American origin, or to introduce some other restriction tending to prevent or diminish the importations into this country of American meats. It will be remembered that this visé was removed by a decree dated January 28, 1898, after a somewhat long correspondence between this embassy and the Italian Government. I have already made representations, both written and oral, in regard to the matter, to the minister of foreign affairs, and shall do my best to prevent the establishment of any discrimination against our products.
I have, etc.,