File No. 7335/–4.
The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Lee.
Washington, August 13, 1907.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 43 of June 11 last, with inclosures, in regard to the protection of American citizens from military exactions in the consular district of Livingston.
The language of your telegram to Consular Agent Reed seems a little too broad in its statement that “The American Government reserves to itself alone the right to decide who are entitled to the protection of an American passport.” On several occasions this Government has emphasized its right to determine who are entitled to its protection as citizens, and, while asserting that right and holding that a passport is prima facie evidence of citizenship and should be so respected, we have admitted the right of the foreign government to traverse the evidence of a passport by showing fraud in its procurement, or illegal naturalization, or forfeiture of the right to protection.
I am, etc.,