Mr. Meyer to Mr.
Hay.
American Embassy,
Rome, December 17,
1902.
No. 214.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that
yesterday, in the Chamber of Deputies, an interrogation was put to the
minister for foreign affairs by the deputies Signori De Marinis and
Santini, who desired to know what steps Italy was taking at present to
protect Italian interests in Venezuela. The reply of the minister for
foreign affairs, Signor Prinetti, will be found inclosed.
The direct reply having been finished, one of the interrogating deputies
then inquired further of the minister what the attitude of the United
States had been toward Italy in relation to the Venezuelan question.
Signor Prinetti replied that in an exchange of views on this matter
between Italy and the United States the Government of Washington had
shown itself both just and courteous.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Speech of Signor Prinetti, minister for foreign
affairs, about the Venezuelan matter.
Offenses to citizens, violation of trading vessels, nonpayment for
years of loans made in behalf of Venezuela, nonfulfillment of
Government contracts, serious damages caused to the private property
of their subjects during several years past, caused the Governments
of England and Germany, after exhausting diplomatic [Page 602] action, which was industrious and
patient, to resort, in order to obtain just compensation, to an
action against Venezuela of which the first part is now taking
place.
Italy has also considerable claims to make against Venezuela for
damages to the property of Italian citizens during the insurrections
which have now been going on for years in that Republic. As early as
April last the royal minister at Caracas, having exhausted all
efforts for a friendly settlement, had presented to the Government
of Venezuela a list of the claims examined by him, and which had
been reduced to the smallest amount possible, to be duly paid, and
amounting to 2,810,255.95 bolivars; and he asked formally for
payment thereof. At that time there were still other claims to be
examined, when the recent revolution broke out, during which new and
serious damages have been caused to our fellow-citizens; the extent
of the damages has not been ascertained. As the Chamber sees, a
total of joint and considerable interests to be protected, calls for
the attention of the Government of the King; and not only for
to-day.
Therefore, as soon as I was informed of the action of Germany and
England I communicated with the cabinets of Berlin and London,
proposing to join in the action and agreements which they were about
to adopt to support the similar claims of their subjects. Italy’s
proposal was willingly accepted. Therefore, while I am pleased to
notice the friendly attitude of the two Governments toward us, I
believe that this, my statement, will reassure our fellow-citizens
that they will not lack efficient protection, similar to that
enjoyed by English and German subjects.
