Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1905

Minister Squiers to the Secretary of State.

American Legation,
Habana, Cuba, February 1, 1905.

No. 1174.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Department instructions No. 460, of January 9, 1905, regarding the proposed enforcement of a law in Cuba requiring a statement of the formula of patent medicines in order to obtain authorization for their sale.

In reply, I beg to advise you that as a result of my inquiries I find that it is the intention of the government to actively enforce the regulations for the practice of pharmacy and particularly the provisions of article 15.

A copy of said regulations is inclosed herewith.

The old Spanish law of February 24, 1844, prohibiting the sale of secret medicines has never been annulled, and, although I do not believe it to be the intention of the government to enforce same at this time, it nevertheless exists and should be taken into consideration by those drug firms doing business with Cuba.

I inclose herewith translation of Governor Nunez’s order granting an extension of six months’ time for the fulfillment of the provisions of article 15 of the aforesaid regulations.

I am, etc.,

H. G. Squiers.

[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]

Order of Governor Nunez.

Habana, August 15, 1904.

In view of the reasons set forth by various owners of drug stores and representatives of foreign manufacturers, I have decided to grant a six months’ extension of time for compliance with it is provisions of article 15 of the pharmacy regulations.

Which is hereby published in the official bulletin of the province for general information.

Emilio Nunez,
Provincial Governor.

[Inclosure 2.]

Article 15 of the pharmacy regulations.

Art. 15. Permission for the sale of medicines or galenic or compound drugs from abroad shall be applied for by a professor of medicine or pharmacy by means of a memorial, accompanied by the medicine whose introduction is desired and by two copies of the pharmacopoeia, formulary, work, or periodical publication of medicine or pharmacy in which its composition appears. A decision on such applications shall be preceded by a report from the royal academy of medical, physical, and natural sciences of Habana and by an opinion of the supreme board of health.