File No. 611.3731/35.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Habana, June 9, 1911.
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 637, of February 17, 1911,2 I have the honor to report that the committee on agriculture, industry, and commerce of the Cuban Chamber of Representatives has now made a report (dated June 6) upon the bill which was introduced during the last session of the former Congress in regard to (1) the revision of the reciprocity treaty with the United States, (2) the conclusion of a treaty for the protection of trade-marks and patents, (3) the application of a tariff surcharge of 50 per cent in certain cases, and (4) the introduction of especial seals to identify Cuban tobacco, etc., upon importation. This bill is distinct from that in regard to a 30 per cent tariff surcharge, which has been the subject of more or less frequent correspondence.
The committee mentioned above has reported in favor of authorizing the executive (1) to request the United States Government to amplify the existing reciprocity treaty, with a view to obtain greater advantages for Cuban tobacco in exchange for concessions in regard to American merchandise Which is not especially benefited at present, (2) to invite the United States to conclude a treaty for the reciprocal protection of trade-marks and patents, and (3) to apply a surcharge upon existing tariff rates of 30 per cent on the products or merchandise of any country which has at present no reciprocity treaty with Cuba, or which does not make tariff concessions in favor of Cuban tobacco within six months after the promulgation of this law. The committee has further advocated the proposal to introduce especial stamps (and seals) to show the identity of Cuban tobacco for the purpose of preventing the falsification of Cuban trade-marks in foreign countries and the fraudulent sale of foreign tobacco as [Page 110] being of Cuban production. These stamps are to be printed in Cuba (the contract to be given through public bids) and their issue and application are to be under Government control and are to be sold to manufacturers—one half of the proceeds of the sale being to pay for printing, etc., and the other for the maintenance of the central office of the “Unión de Fabricantes de la Isla de Cuba.”
A further provision of the bill requires all manufacturers (“todo manufacturero “) to employ native Cuban labor to the extent of at least 50 per cent.
In view of the heat at this season of the year and the difficulty encountered in maintaining a quorum, I do not think it probable that Congress will act upon this measure during its present session. A motion to close the session on the 20th instant is under consideration at present.
I have, etc.,