811.2222 (1940)/92

The Secretary of State to the Portuguese Minister (Bianchi)

Sir: Your note no. 56 of December 14, 1940 states that several Portuguese citizens resident in the United States have been drafted for military service and called for physical examination. In that connection you call attention to the fact that Portuguese citizens are prohibited from enlisting in the armed forces of a foreign country and you suggest that in order to avoid possible misunderstandings the Department inform you of the procedure to follow in such cases.

Section 2 of the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 requires all male aliens residing in the United States who are between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-six to register on the day or days fixed for that purpose. Under Section 3 of the Act only such male aliens as have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States are liable for training and service in the land or naval forces of the United States. If any of the Portuguese citizens referred to by you have not declared their intentions to become American citizens the Department, upon being so advised, will be glad to bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities of this Government. However, should you desire to discuss any particular case informally, it is suggested that it might be taken up directly with the office of the Director of the Selective Service System.

Accept [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Sumner Welles