Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1901

[Untitled]

Department of State,
Washington, January 22, 1901.

notice to American citizens formerly subjects of turkey who contemplate returning to that country.

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.

The Turkish Government denies the right of a Turk to become a citizen of any other country without the authority of the Turkish Government. His naturalization is therefore regarded by Turkey as void with reference to himself and his children, and he is forbidden to return to Turkey.

The consent of the Turkish Government to the naturalization in another country of a former Turk is given only upon condition that the applicant shall stipulate either never to return, or, returning, to regard himself as a Turkish subject. Therefore, if a naturalized American citizen of Turkish origin returns to Turkey he may expect arrest and imprisonment or expulsion.

Jews are prohibited from colonizing in Turkish dominions.

There is no treaty between the United States and Turkey defining the status of naturalized Americans of Turkish birth returning to Turkey.

Passports are required from all persons entering Turkish dominions (Egypt excepted), and persons who enter without passports are liable to fine or imprisonment. The passports should, if possible, be viséed by a Turkish consular officer in the United States.