File No. 6339.
Minister Bryan to the Secretary of State.
Lisbon, April 23, 1907.
Sir: I have the honor to report that A. V. Patterson, a native-born American citizen, who holds no office under the United States, who has for some years resided in Lisbon, Portugal, and upon whom the King of Portugal is about to confer the title of Baron, has submitted to this legation the question of the effect of his acceptance of this title upon his American citizenship and right to protection.
In discussing the matter with Mr. Patterson I admitted that I could not find any provision in our Constitution or laws which specifically forbids its acceptance, or according to which its acceptance by him would entail the forfeiture of his American citizenship, but I pointed out to him that it was certainly contrary to the spirit and intention of the Constitution and laws, and referred to the fact that the renunciation of titles, etc., is made a prerequisite to naturalizations; that it would be absurd to require such renunciation if immediately after naturalization—after becoming a citizen—such title or another might be accepted. That, in my opinion, the rights of a native-born citizen in this respect were not greater than those of a naturalized American. Mr. Patterson states that his acceptance was based upon the understanding that neither an oath of allegiance to Portugal, nor renunciation of his American citizenship, will be required. I told Mr. Patterson that so far as the Portuguese Government is concerned this legation would not and could not take any interest in the matter, but that I would refer his question to Washington.
Accordingly, I have the honor to request the instructions of the department as to whether the acceptance of this title (baron) by this [Page 958] American citizen will entail the loss of his citizenship and of his right to the protection of this legation.
I have, etc.,