711.754/14: Telegram

The Chargé in Albania (Holmes) to the Acting Secretary of State

11. Referring to Department’s instruction No. 254 of October 23, 1929. Albania prepared to sign treaty as submitted, with following modifications:

1.
Article I, paragraph 3, strike out [“] in time of war [”] and substitute [“] during the time when the country of which he is a national is at war.[”]
2.
Article III, paragraph 5 [2], substitute period for semicolon and strike out from [“] but [”] to [“] contrary [”], add [“] The time limit can be extended for six months for reasonable causes upon notification to the authorities of the country of origin. If residence in the country of origin continues beyond six months, the nationality acquired by naturalization shall be held invalid. [“]
3.
Article IV, substitute semicolon for period and add [“] provided that he has performed no act of allegiance to the country of his parents’ nationality after having attained his 18th year.[”]
4.
An exchange of notes citing the Albanian law which requires an Albanian who wishes to become naturalized in another country to invoke permission of the Albanian Government and stating that if an Albanian subject resides 5 years continuously in the United States such permission will be considered as automatically given. The Government of the United States to agree to notify to the Albanian Government the names of all Albanians naturalized in the future. First provision to save Albania’s face in dealing with her neighbors, second, for the civil registers. Notes to cite paragraph 5 of article I of the treaty and stated [state?] that minor children of persons naturalized in either country shall have the nationality of the country of their habitual residence.

This telegram is sent at the urgent request of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who wishes to sign treaty and present it for ratification before Parliament adjourns on April 15. The Minister for Foreign Affairs states that a telegram saying that full powers are being sent will be submitted to sign treaty.

Holmes