Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1909

File No. 697/48.

The Acting Secretary of State to Chargé Garrett.

Department of State,
Washington, August 18, 1909.

No. 10.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of a dispatch from the American consul at Catania, reporting the use of the flag of the United States as a sign for saloons and bars in Messina, Catania, and other Italian cities.

You will inquire whether the Italian law controls the display of foreign flags, or whether there are any other means which could be employed to prevent this abuse of our national emblem.

I am, etc.,

Alvey A. Adee.

Consul Lupton to the Assistant Secretary of State.

American Consulate,
Catania, Italy, July 19, 1909.

No. 37.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that I have seen, both in Messina and Catania, as well as in other cities outside this consular district, the American flag used as a sign for saloons and bars, and should be glad if the department would authorize me to use such measures as may be possible to put a stop to this practice. I have tried in one instance to stop it, merely as a citizen of the United States, but without avail, but am certain that it could be done with the help of the Italian authorities.

I have, etc.,

Stuart K. Lupton.