notice to american citizens formerly subjects of belgium who contemplate returning to that country.
Washington, February 5, 1901.
The information given below is believed to be correct, yet it is not to be considered as official, as it relates to the laws and regulations of a foreign country.
Every male Belgian must register during the calendar year in which he reaches the age of 19 years to take part in the drawing of lots for the raising of the necessary military contingent.
Anyone who has drawn a number which designates him for military service, or in case of his absence has had a number drawn for him by the proper authority, is punishable if he does not answer the call for service.
Under the terms of the convention between the United States and Belgium a Belgian naturalized as a citizen of the United States is considered by Belgium as a citizen of the United States; but upon return to Belgium he may be prosecuted for crime or misdemeanor committed [Page 17] before naturalization, saving such limitations as are established by the laws of Belgium.
A naturalized American formerly a Belgian, who has resided five years in this country, can not be held to military service in Belgium or to incidental obligation resulting therefrom, in the event of his return, except in cases of desertion from organized or embodied military or naval service.
Passports are not usually required in Belgium, but people who contemplate sojourning in that country are recommended to carry them in order to establish their identity. They do not require to be viséed or indorsed.