File No. 711.0012/526.
Ambassador Page to the Secretary of State.
Rome , September 15, 1914 .
Sir: I have recently had several cases of American citizens, naturalized, held here by the Italian Government under their military regulations, and one of an American-born citizen held in the same way, which have occasioned some trouble; but as they are apparently in process of speedy settlement, I will not burden you with the details until I can make a final report on them.
Three of the former are priests or clergymen, having parishes in the United States, and their detention here is a great hardship on them. One is a Roman Catholic priest, the Reverend Raymond Carrá, having a parish in New Orleans; another is a Presbyterian clergyman, the Rev. G. G. Danchise of New York; the other is an Episcopal clergyman, the Reverend Mr. Cassetta, having a parish in New York city.
The fourth case is that of an American-born citizen [Spediacci] whose father, an Italian, had become naturalized before his birth. This case I feel sure I shall succeed in having acted on affirmatively, if the facts stated by the young man can be established.
These are only illustrations of cases which are constantly being brought to my attention, in which I have to inform our naturalized citizens that we are powerless to help them; and they would seem [Page 407] to render it important that a naturalization treaty should be negotiated at the first opportune moment between our two Governments.
I have [etc.]