File No. 865.111/14
Chargé Jay to the Secretary of State
Rome, May 4, 1916.
633. Embassy has been informed on various occasions during the winter by consuls and women concerned that Italian authorities were refusing permission to return to United States to wives of naturalized citizens of the United States of Italian origin now in America on the ground that their husbands had not returned to perform military service. Embassy addressed notes to Foreign Office on the subject requesting to be informed whether such action was taken under direct Government orders, and Ambassador personally discussed matter on several occasions; but until now no definite admission has been made. To-day, Minister for Foreign Affairs acknowledges Embassy’s note of February 17 and, after recapitulating favorable action taken in several cases, states:
The last named, Sciulli Vincenzo, was, however, definitely refused passport, it having been ascertained that it was her intention to join her husband, Nicola de Julus, whose class and category had already been under arms. The Royal Government as a matter of fact does not consider it opportune to issue passports to go abroad to the families of those whose classes or categories have already been called to arms or are liable to be called in the near future. This stand is taken primarily in order that such wives and children be not exposed to the danger of reaching the United States only to find upon their arrival that their husbands or fathers have already departed for Italy in order to respond to their military obligations.
Word “passport” above merely implies permit, as all such women are naturally granted on application American passports. I immediately sought interview with permanent Undersecretary whom I have known for many years at other posts and frankly expressed great concern at dissatisfaction with which decision would be received in America, even implying that press and people might say Italy was holding women and children as hostages. He stated that matter had been carefully considered and made usual argument about American naturalization not being recognized by Italy. He seemed, however, much impressed by my argument and asked me to call on him to-morrow evening saying that he would meanwhile like to talk over matter with many people. He asked whether France and other powers not enjoying naturalization treaty with us were not taking practically similar action in similar cases. Please instruct me by cable on this special point as reply in negative would seem valuable argument. Also please give me Department’s views and any essential instructions.