860h.012/10–645: Telegram
The Chargé in Yugoslavia (Hohenthal) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:12 p.m.]
531. Re Department’s telegram 321 of September 28.55 New Yugoslav law on abrogation of citizenship passed by Provisional Parliament became effective August 28.
In summary, it provides that citizenship shall be lost by all active or reserve commissioned or non-commissioned officers of former Yugoslav army captured by enemy who refuse to return to their country, all adherents and political leaders of Quisling military formations in service of [occupier] who withdrew from Yugoslav territory with enemy, and other adherents of such formations who left country earlier. They may, however, avoid losing citizenship if within 2 months of official announcement that repatriation has been effected in zone wherein they reside they declare before Yugoslavia diplomatic or military representatives or their delegates their readiness to return to Yugoslav. If illness or distance of separation so justifies, time limit can be extended. Other articles provide for expediting their return; that loss of citizenship under this law or return to the country does not prevent bringing charges against persons in question for other crimes against country; that Ministers of Interior and National Defense are jointly responsible for execution of this law.
Text follows by airgram.55