A speciality theorem for curves in P5

Let be an integral projective curve. One defines the speciality index e(C) of C as the maximal integer t such that , where ω _C denotes the dualizing sheaf of . Extending a classical result of Halphen concerning the speciality of a space curve, in the present paper we prove that if is an integral degree d curve not contained in any surface of degree  < s, in any threefold of degree  < t, and in any fourfold of degree  < u, and if , then Moreover equality holds if and only if C is a complete intersection of hypersurfaces of degrees u, , and . We give also some partial results in the general case , .