811.623 Florida/–
The Italian Ambassador ( Martino ) to the Secretary of State
The Italian Ambassador presents his compliments to His Excellency the Secretary of State and has the honor to draw his attention on the new law on fish and game which became effective in the State of Florida July 1st, 1927, the operation of which is harmful to Italian fish dealers residing in that State.
The law contains in fact a provision according to which a nonresident or alien retail dealer shall pay a license fee of $50.00 per annum, while other retail dealers pay for the same license fee only $5.00 per annum.
The Ambassador is informed that this provision is applied to Italians in Florida even when they have been for many years residents of the State.
The Ambassador has the honor to signify that the law in question seems to be fully in contradiction with the provisions contained in the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of February 26th, 1871 in force between the United States and Italy11 and he would therefore be very much obliged to His Excellency the Secretary of State for having such action taken as will result in eliminating from the legislation of the State of Florida the unjust discrimination infringing upon the rights of the Italians exercising the fish industry within its boundaries.
[Page 113]The Italian Ambassador will be much obliged to His Excellency the Secretary of State for letting him know the results of his action and thanks in advance for this courtesy.
- Malloy, Treaties, 1776–1909, vol. i, p. 969.↩