No. 101.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Paris, January 31, 1873. (Received February 14.)
Sir: Since the adoption of the recent military law in France the government is holding every person owing military service to a strict obligation. Numbers of Frenchmen by birth, naturalized American citizens, are coming over here, and if it is thought that they owe service, they are at once arrested for what is called “insoumission,” and thrown into prison. Application is then made to us to get them discharged.
Under the ruling of the French government, if it should appear that the party has been naturalized for over three years, it is held that such “insoumission” is covered by prescription, and after many delays and much suffering and expense he is released. But in cases where the party has not been naturalized for this length of time he is adjudged guilty of “insoumission;” they refuse to set him at liberty, and he is subjected to the punishment which the law of the country prescribes.
This matter does not seem to be perfectly understood by our naturalized French citizens, and they appear to consider that an American passport protects them against everything.
I have thought that you might consider it well to let it be known through the Associated Press what the true state of the case is, that these people may be put on their guard, and not return to their native country and subject themselves to arrest, and perhaps punishment.
This whole matter is fully discussed in your circular dated Washington, May 2, 1871.
We have had no less than three of these cases since my return, and only one of the parties has been naturalized the requisite length of time.
I have, &c.,