File No. 10570/–23.

Minister Russell to the Secretary of State.

No. 258.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose you herewith seven documents referring to the registration of naturalized American citizens at the consular agency in Caracas. I instructed the consular agent not to [Page 1097] deliver these certificates to the applicants until I had time to refer the cases for the consideration of the department. Statements from the applicant for registration are forwarded in each case, together with several certificates of naturalization and expired passports. I do not think there is any doubt in the cases of Mr. Heny and Mr. Schluter, and I respectfully recommend that certificates of registration be issued to them.

In the five other cases I make no recommendations, as there appears to be some doubt as to the right of the applicants to claim protection as American citizens.

A great many Porto Ricans have applied to be registered at the consular agency here, and I would like instructions as to the form of certificate to be given residents of the insular and territorial possessions of the United States. Form 210—Consular is only made out for native or naturalized citizens.

I have, etc.,

William W. Russell.