No. 402.
Mr. McLane
to Mr. Bayard.
Paris, July 30, 1888. (Received August 13.)
Sir: In reply to your No. 359, of July 20, relative to the case of Mr. Felix Poyard, I have to note your opinion that in all such cases a strict inquiry should be instituted to establish the fact that it is not the intention of the applicant to abandon his American citizenship.
Concurring with you in this view of the case, I have nevertheless accepted from applicants the general declaration that it was their intention to return to the United States without requiring them to indicate any specific time for such return, which in many cases they can not do 5 especially is this the case with very respectable and honorable naturalized citizens engaged in business here.
Mr. Poyard’s declaration that he intended to return as soon as he could was certainly as vague as any that I have received, and I would not have accepted his application if I had not been of opinion that it was his intention to return and perform his duties of citizenship. I do not understand your No. 359 as instructing me to require an explicit and specific indication of the time when the applicant intends to return to the United States. I shall, nevertheless, in pursuance of your instruction now under reply make the necessary inquiry to assure myself of the real intention of those applying for passports.
I have, etc.,