The Acting Secretary of State to the Italian Chargé.

My Dear Mr. Chargé: The department has been asked by an American whose daughter is about to marry an Italian nobleman as to the legal effect of the certification by an Italian consular agent [Page 963] in the United States of an American marriage, and whether or not the marriage so certified is in all respects exactly equivalent, according to Italian law, to a marriage celebrated in Italy.

Inasmuch as the parties interested appear to be of unquestioned standing in the community and are naturally anxious to have absolute certainty upon the point, the department-would greatly appreciate a statement as to the Italian law upon the subject by the embassy which may be forwarded to the gentleman in question for his information.

The information above requested is all that is asked for, but it has occurred to this department that there might be, according to Italian law, certain regulations affecting the personal status of an Italian marchese and his right to marry in a foreign jurisdiction which, even if they did not affect the legality of the marriage, might, if not complied with, give trouble at some later time. If there are any conditions precedent which should be complied with or other legal restrictions affecting the personal status of an Italian nobleman entering into such an alliance, the department would appreciate any information which the embassy could give in regard to them.

I am, etc.,

Robert Bacon.