Mr. Uhl to Mr. Tripp.
Washington, September 4, 1894.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 92, of the 13th ultimo, in relation to the expulsion of David Hofmann from Bohemia.
In reply I have to say that Hofmann, having come to this country a short time before he arrived at the age for military service in Austria, is by the terms of the treaty of 1870 exempt upon his returm to that country from trial and punishment for nonfulfillment of military duty.
There is, however, nothing in the treaty or in the general principles of international law to prevent the Austro-Hungarian Government from expelling Hofmann, upon his return there, under the circumstances of his case, “for reasons of public welfare.” The expulsion seems to have been made after due judicial examination into the facts, and without any circumstances of harshness or oppression.
I can see no ground for exception or protest against the action of the Austro-Hungarian authorities.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary.