R.S. § 1710 derived from act Apr. 14, 1792, ch. 24, § 2, 1 Stat. 255.

Section was not enacted as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Section was formerly classified to section 1176 of this title, and prior thereto to section 76 of this title.

1940—Act July 12, 1940, substituted “the consular officer, or, if no consular officer is present, a diplomatic officer,” for “the consul or vice-consul,”.