Speech #690019426

But back to our subject. Italys economlic ability to pay is seriously affected by three laws of the United States. The Italian commission cited these acts. not questioning the inalienable right of the United States to enact them. nor in a spirit of criticism or in a complaining way. but solely for the purpose of showing that Italy was rendered less able finacially to meet in full the obligation to the United States. (a) Our Immigration law. Prior to Its enactment Italian Immigrants to the United States remitted annually to their families in Italy from $150.000.000 to $200.000.000. Restricted immigration has lost to Italy this source of revenue. (b) The national prohibition law of the United States. which closed the market for the sale of Italys wines and liquors. (c) Our high custom duties. which restrict the importation of Italys goods Into the United States. The Italian Government is indebted to Great Britain for money borrowed to aid in the prosecution of the war to the