Mr. Blaine to Mr. Phelps.

No. 420.]

Sir: I have received your No. 435, of the 29th ultimo, in regard to the protection of American inventors in Germany, as represented by Messrs. Howson & Howson, of New York, by reason of the fact that the German Official Imperial Gazette has not yet published the required notice that the United States has granted reciprocal rights to German inventors.

In view of the intimation of the imperial department of the interior that it was awaiting advices from here in connection with certain negotiations affecting patents, when it would promptly publish the required notice, I inclose for your information a copy of a note from the German legation at this capital, of November 3, 1891, proposing an arrangement between the United States and Germany for the reciprocal protection of patents, samples, and trade-marks, with German laws relating to the subject.

On the 10th of March, 1892, I acknowledged Mr. von Mumm’s note, saying that the proposed treaty was acceptable with the exception of article 3, and explaining why that could not be accepted by the Government of the United States in its present form. I submitted a counter proposition and draft.

I herewith transmit for your information a copy of my note and of its inclosures, remarking that up to the present time the Department is without advice as to the decision of the German Government respecting the matter.

With these data before you, you may find convenient opportunity to again call the subject up and possibly expedite a decision respecting the counter proposition of this Government and secure the desired publication in the interest of American inventors.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.