Although there is little doubt that the German Government will bring Loeb’s
case under its recent decision in regard to the non-applicability of the
treaties of 1868 to Alsace-Lorraine, I have not felt warranted in so far
acquiescing in their interpretation as to desist from sending in
applications of this kind.
It seems to me that in view of any future negotiations, it would be a mistake
to be silent, and so to appear to consent to their doctrine on this
subject.
[Inclosure in No. 169.]
Mr. White to Count
Limburg Stirum.
Legation of the United States,
Berlin, November 4,
1880.
The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the
United States of America, has the honor to call the attention of his
excellency Count Limburg Stirum, acting minister of foreign affairs, to
the case of Jacques Loeb, a citizen of the United States.
According to Mr. Loeb’s statements he was born in Reichshofen,
Alsace-Lorraine, on the 31st March, 1855, emigrated to the United States
in August, 1872, and was naturalized there 30th June, 1879, as is shown
by the accompanying certificate of naturalization, the ultimate return
of which is respectfully requested.
It further appears that the said Loeb returned to his native place in the
summer of the present year, was arrested by the authorities there, but
was released on exhibition of his American citizen paper.
The payment of a fine of 600 marks for avoidance of military duty was
then demanded by the authorities, who informed Loeb that he could apply
for a pardon which would free him from this fine. This Loeb states that
he did, but received an unfavorable reply to his petition since his
return to America, where he now is.
The undersigned brings these statements to the notice of his excellency
Count Limburg-Stirum, hoping that in the present case an annoying fine
may, if the facts prove to be as stated, be removed from an American
citizen who showed his bona fides by only
remaining in Germany a few weeks on a visit to his native place, instead
of claiming to remain two years under the treaty of 1868, as interpreted
by the German Government in all cases previous to October, 1880.
The undersigned avails himself, &c.,
