File No. 6339.

The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Bryan.

No. 131.]

Sir: The department has received your No. 308, of April 23 last, reporting that Mr. A. B. Patterson, a native-born American citizen, who holds no civil office under the United States and who has for some years been residing in Lisbon, has had the title of baron conferred upon him by the King of Portugal and has submitted to your legation the question of the effect his acceptance of this title would have upon his American citizenship and right to protection. You state that you informed Mr. Patterson that you could find no provision in the Constitution or laws of the United States specifically forbidding his acceptance of a title from a foreign government, but you pointed out to him that it was certainly contrary to the spirit and intent of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and that the naturalization laws specifically require that an alien before receiving naturalization shall renounce any foreign title of nobility which he may hold. It appears that Mr. Patterson’s acceptance of the title is made with the understanding that he is not to be required to take an oath of allegiance to the King of Portugal nor to renounce his American citizenship, and you further informed Mr. Patterson that so far as the Portuguese Government is concerned your legation would not, and could not, take any interest in the matter.

The department is of opinion that the information you gave Mr. Patterson was correct. You may add that the acceptance of a title from a foreign government is so opposed to the spirit of our institutions and laws that, although not specifically forbidden, and therefore not in itself sufficient to Avork expatriation, it is a circumstance to be considered in determining whether or not an American citizen has expatriated himself.

I am, etc.,

Robert Bacon.