through August 2, 1931. These certificates were also issued to U.S. citizens about to be deported by a foreign government and in cases of extraordinary emergency.16 Regulations in effect at the present time for issuance of a card of identity and registration are: When authorized by the Department a consular officer may issue a card of identity and registration for travel to the United States to a national of the United States being deported from a foreign country, to nationals involved in a common disaster abroad, or to a returning national whose passport facilities have been denied or withdrawn.17 Air Crew Member Certificate A crew member certificate is a document of identity used in lieu of a passport by air crewmen to facilitate their entry and clearance into countries which are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This identification document usually permits the bearer access only to the immediate vicinity of foreign airports. Crew member certificates are acceptable as proof of U.S. citizenship since the Passport Office documents citizenship before issuing these certificates. Air Crew members holding crew member certificates are exempted from travel control requirements when entering or leaving the United States.18 Certificates of the Veterans The Veterans Association of the American Expeditionary Forces issued certificates of identity to its members to be used in lieu of passports on pilgrimages to Europe in 1921, 1927, and to its convention in Paris in 1937. The Department of State advised the Veterans Association and American Expeditionary Forces that its certificates contravened U.S. statutes and could not be used for travel nor did such certificates have the approval of the Department of State.19 16 Ibid. pp. 459-461. 17 22 Code of Federal Regulations 50.9. 18 Ibid, 53.2(c). 19 Hackworth, Digest of International Law, vol. III, U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash., D.C., 1942, pp. 453-458. Olympic Games Certificates In 1935, the Department of State raised no objection to the use of identification cards in lieu of passports by the U.S. members representing the American Olympic Committee in the fourth Olympic 20 winter games at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, provided that arrangements were made with appropriate German and other foreign authorities for entry into those countries. Certificate of Identity-Ryukyu The United States maintained civil administration over the Ryukyu Islands from the end of World War II (1945 until May 15, 1972) when the islands were returned to Japan. During the U.S. civil administration, a Certificate of Identity in lieu of a passport was issued to the inhabitants of the Ryukyu Islands when they desired to travel abroad. (Exhibits 74 and 75) 20 Ibid., pp. 458, 459. Chapter VIII PASSPORT Historical Development TO RECEIVE a U.S. passport, a person was always required to submit some proof of U.S. citizenship. Usually this proof of citizenship consisted primarily "of letters from the applicants, third persons known to the Department of State, or certificates from notaries public."1 In 1830, a printed form of application was developed but was not obligatory. This form mainly concerned naturalized citizens and was submitted as an affidavit by a notary public.2 Despite the format devised for use by notaries public, most applications came directly from applicants. As early as 1837, the Secretary of State set forth the requirements for applying for a passport: Passports are only granted to citizens of the United States. If you know the persons applying to be such, by sending a description of their persons embracing the following particulars—age, stature (feet, inches), forehead, nose, mouth, chin, hair, complexion, face-to this Department, the passports will be forwarded to yourself or them as you may direct. P.S.-A description of the gentlemen is all that is necessary.3 The Department of State circular of July 1845, the first to be issued to establish uniformity in applications, provided information to U.S. citizens who were about "to visit foreign countries." It stated that evidence of citizenship was necessary in order to prevent delay in obtaining a passport: 1 Gaillard Hunt, "The American Passport," U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash., D.C., 1898, p. 44. 2 Ibid., p. 45. 3 J. B. Moore, Digest of International Law, vol. III, U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash., D.C., 1906, p. 901. |