Minister Rockhill to the Secretary of State.

No. 173.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 165, of December 6, 1905, informing you that I had effected an agreement with the German minister for the reciprocal protection of trade-marks in China, I now have the honor to inform you that I have this date made a similar arrangement with the Italian minister.

I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of the notes exchanged with the Italian minister.

I have, etc.,

W. W. Rockhill.
[Inclosure 1.]

Minister Rockhill to the Italian Minister.

Mr. Minister and Dear Colleague: The Government of the United States being desirous of reaching an understanding with the Government of Italy for the reciprocal protection against infringement in China, by citizens and subjects of our respective nations of trademarks duly registered in the United States and Italy, I am authorized by the Secretary of State of the United States to inform you that effectual provision exists in American consular courts in China for the trial and punishment of all persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States who may be charged with and found guilty of infringing in any way trade-marks of persons subject to the jurisdiction of Italy which have been duly registered in the United States.

I beg that you will kindly inform me whether American citizens are entitled to the same legal remedies in the consular courts of Italy in China as regards the protection from infringement of their trade-marks duly registered in Italy.

I have, etc.,

W. W. Rockhill.
[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]

The Italian Minister to Minister Rockhill.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of to-day’s date, by which you inform me that you have been authorized by your government to conclude an arrangement with the Italian legation by means of an exchange of notes for the reciprocal protection in China of American and Italian trade-marks, and that hereafter infringements of trade-marks, the property of Italian subjects, and duly registered in the United States, by persons subject to the jurisdiction of American consular courts in China, will be tried by the latter according to law.

Having been duly authorized thereto by the Royal Government, I am pleased to inform you that hereafter infringements of trade-marks of American citizens, duly registered in Italy, by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the Italian consular courts in China, will in first instance, be tried according to the law by said courts, and on appeal by the royal court of appeal of Ancona.

Please accept, etc.,

C. Baroli.