867.111/140: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol)
157. Your 202 and 203, August 6, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Department is gratified that progress has been made in the treatment of naturalized Americans born in Turkey, but cannot make the distinction between classes of citizens implied by your suggestion that no passports be issued to persons of Ottoman origin desiring to return to Turkey. The Revised Statutes of the United States distinctly provide in section 2000 as follows: “All naturalized citizens of the United States, while in foreign countries, are entitled to, and shall receive from this Government, the same protection of persons and property which is accorded to native-born citizens.” The most that can be done is to warn such travelers, when issuing passports to them, of present Turkish regulations and of the fact that naturalized American citizens who evade those regulations or conceal their nationality for the purpose of travel in Turkey cannot expect full American protection.
It is not desired, however, that you communicate this information to the Turkish authorities. You should continue to make it clear to them that under American law one citizen has as good a right to protection from this Government as another. Further instructions will be sent before your visit to Angora.