Mr. Jackson to Mr. Hay.
Berlin , July 8, 1899 .
Sir: As already reported, the discussion of the bill for the general uniform inspection of meat throughout Germany has gone over to the autumn, when the committee of the Reichstag, to which the matter [Page 493] has been referred, will resume its consideration. Newspaper reports of the work of this committee have been sent by Dr. Stiles to the Department of Agriculture from time to time, but neither he nor I have been able to ascertain that there has been any official publication or report in regard to this work.
Since the introduction of the bill in question, in February last, the embassy has refrained from taking any formal action upon various complaints made to it by dealers and others in regard to petty discriminations by local officials against American meat products, as it was thought that such action would be detrimental. It is understood, moreover, that in several instances dealers who have made complaints to local authorities have been informed that no changes would be made in the local regulations until after the general inspection bill was passed.
Since the adjournment of the Reichstag for the summer, however, the situation is slightly altered. I am still of the opinion, nevertheless, and Dr. Stiles agrees with me, that nothing would be gained by bringing such complaints to the formal attention of the German foreign office, and I shall refrain from doing so unless I am instructed to the contrary, or a particularly flagrant case of discrimination should occur.
I have, etc.,