Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-11
Once Naturalized
Greek Desires to
Return to Augusta

Born in Greece, natural1zed IN TINS
country. served in the United States
army during the world war, returned
to Greece, served In the Greek army
during the Greece Turkey disturb
ance-Demetrios n. Vardakas now
wants to return to Augusta and re-
sumo his labors at the Edwards cot
ton mill. But the question arises-ls
he still q naturalized American citi-
gen or did he lose that right when he
enlisted in the army of his mother
county and must he seek entrance
here through the regular alien chan
nels and be e-naturaliZed to obtain
his hearts desire? This Is a prob
lem which he has presented to the
Augusta chapter of the Red Cross,
soliciting their aid in helping him re-
turn to Augusta. Miss Jean Todd.
executive secretary OF the local chap
ter. has already had considerable cor
respondence in regard to the matter.
While this local chapter cannot es-
tablish a precedent by forwarding
funds for Vardakas' return to this
country, as he asks, still they are do
ing all In their power to advise him
as to the proper course to take.
Like a soldier of fortune reads the
life story of this Greek boy now chat
ing at the bounds of immigration.
Born In Greece, he passed his early
life there, q member of a fairly WELL
TODD family of Industrious well
meaning folks. To come to America,
the land of promise, was his dream
and after q while 1t came true. He
came here, became a naturalized citi-
zen and q credit to his race. He
came to Augusta and was employed
by the Edwards Manufacturing co.
He is spoken of very highly by his
former fellow workers and his en-
| ployers there. He served in the
United States army from April, 1918
to September. 1919. being located as
Prisoner of War Escort. No. Gao, Air
Signal Corps. He made over his army
pay to his father living in Greece. :
In April, 1921, he went back to
| Greece to visit his father, In August,
1921, the Augusta chapter Of the Red
Cross, received from him letter.
| written month previously, stating
that he was leaving in few days for
the front. This it was assumed
troops against Turkey at the time OF
their trouble.
Nothing was heard from him for n
long time and friends here wondered
! If he had been slain in battle for his
mother country after having passed
safely through battle for his adopted
| country. The middle of November.
1923. letter was received from him
stating that he was most DESTROYS OF
| returning to America but that he
| didn't have the money. The Red
Cross. not being so authorized, could
not forward the money.
American citizens who served in
the Canadian and the British armies.
were obliged. in order to enjoy
American citizen privileges once
more, to become re-naturalized. 1t is
almost certain that such Is the same
case in the Vardakas matter. .-
The matter was taken up with the
bureau OF naturalization. They We're
not able to answer the question and
1t was referred to the department of
state. The latter department writes
to Miss Todd in part as follows: BE
fore decision may I've reached re-
garding Mr.. Nardakas' citizenship, he
should be advised to apply to the
American consul nearest his place OF
residence, for a passport in accord
ance with the provisions of the en-
closed circular, entitled, Passports
for American citizens in foreign
countries or visas for aliens tsigned)
Division Of Passport Control, Depart
ment Of State"