Kehler to Arthur Loftus, August 31, 1868

According to the contents of his excellency Lord A. Loftus’s letter of the 24th instant, the government of Her Britannic Majesty are desirous of obtaining information relative to the legal provisions in force in Prussia with respect to the nationality of the children born of foreign parents within the Prussian dominions.

With reference to this subject, the undersigned has the honor to inform his excellency Lord A. Loftus that no special legal provisions exist in Prussia with regard to this question. In accordance with the regulations laid down in the annexed copy of the law of the 31st December, 1842, respecting the acquirement or loss of the quality of a Prussian subject, the general principle is observed with reference to the decision of personal relations, and also of nationality, that legitimate children follow the nationality of the father, and illegitimate children that of the mother, unless an alteration is made in consequence of the proceedings of the children themselves. No special consequences with respect to nationality are attended to the fact of being born in Prussia.

The undersigned avails, &c.