Mr. Hay to Mr. von Holleben.
Washington, February 21, 1900.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 6th instant, asking what authorities in the United States are competent to issue the certificates required by the Prussian law which went into effect on January 1 last, by which aliens who wish to marry in Prussia are obliged to present a certificate from a competent magistrate of the country to which they belong to the effect that no impediment to their marriage according to the laws of that State is known to the said magistrate.
In reply I beg to say that, so far as this Department is advised, there is no provision made by the laws of the Federal Government or by any of the States and Territories thereof for the issuance by any magistrate of any certificate of the kind mentioned in your note.
Accept, etc.,