SO. 1020
Nationality U.S.Regulations   319/5" /40
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
November 26th, 1940.
Ky Lord,
I have the honour to transmit to
your Lordship herewith   ^ pies   of an Act of
congress approved on the 14th October last
snd entitled The Nationality Act of 1940. This
Act, which follows closely tha lines of H.R.
6127, copies of which accompanied Sir Ronald
Lindsay's despatch Wo .769 of the 10th July,
1959, brings together into one document all
the nationality laws of the "nited States and
revises them In certain particulars.
2. ttone of these revisions affect British
Interests hut there is one provision which might
have seen of serious concern to Tils .'sjesty's
Governent had It been accepted by the Senate in
the form in which it was psssed by the House of
Representatives.     Section 401 of the Act reads
In part as follows:     "A person who Is a national
of the United States whether by birth or natural-
isation, shall lose tils nationality by ....(c)
entering, or serving in, the armstf forcee of a
foreign state unless expressly authorised by the
laws of the United States if ha has or acquires
the nationality of aueh foreign state."     The words
"if he hcs or acquires a nationality of such foreign
stste" were adued by the Senate largely, I under-
stand, in order not to penalise Americana serving
/
The Right Honourable,
The Viscount Halifax, K.G.,
etc., etc., etc.,
AR:M3sGA
in/

In the British Armed Forces by the lose of
their cltleenehlp.     As It stands, this penalty
for serving in the armed forces of a foreign
state Is reserved for persons who have another
nationality In addition to ;helr United States
nationality or for persons who take an oath
of allegiance on their enlistment•   T r.der the
previously exlotln^ law the penalty was only
applicable to the lattor#
I ha'/e the honour to be,
with the highest respect.
My Lord,
Yours Lordship^ most obedient,
humble servant-