Circular.
Washington, September 26, 1899.
To the diplomatic and consular officers of the United States.
Gentlemen: Information having reached the Department that some of the diplomatic and consular officers of the United States have refused to issue passports to applicants who were unable or unwilling to state that they intended to return to the United States within two years from the date of their applications, you are instructed that the Department does not hold that a passport can not be granted to a person who does not make such a statement. As explained in the Department’s circular instruction of March 27, 1899, a passport should not be issued to any person who does not intend to return to the United States or whose expressed intention to return is negatived by circumstances attending his residence abroad, but it is not intended to fix a definite period of time beyond which the protection of a passport is to be refused to a citizen of the United States. A passport is good only for two years from the date of issuance, but a new one may be granted when a new and satisfactory application is made.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
Acting Secretary.