Executive Order 548

by President of the United States

1. The Governor of Tutuila is hereby authorized to issue to merchant vessels entitled thereto, under the conditions and limitations hereinafter set forth, certificates of protection entitling the vessels to which they are given to the protection and flag of the United States on the high seas and in all ports, provided such vessels are owned by:

   (a)	A citizen of the United States residing in Tutuila or Manua;
   (b)	A native inhabitant of Tutuila or Manua who has taken the oath of allegiance to the United States;
   (c)	A resident of Tutuila or Manua before the acquisition of the islands by the United States, upon abjuring his allegiance to the country of which he was a citizen or subject and taking the oath of allegiance to the United States.




2. Such certificates of protection shall entitle the vessels holding them to the privileges, and subject them to the disabilities, prescribed in Article XX of the Consular Regulations of 1896 for American or foreign built vessels transferred abroad to citizens of the United States.
3. The form and manner of the issuance of certificates of protection provided for in this order shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy.

Theodore Roosevelt.

The White House,

January 15, 1907.