Identity area
Type
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Other form(s) of name
Classification
Context area
Dates
Description
In matters of conscription, consuls exercise a wide range of functions assigned by law, which tended to expand over time.
In particular, with the Emigration Law of 31 January 1901 no. 23, article 33, conscription service abroad “changed in character: it no longer consisted of the granting of permissions to reside abroad to individual persons upon request, but of multiple responsibilities permanently entrusted by law to diplomatic and consular authorities” (as summarised by Circular of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no. 631 of 2 July 1901).
In the Instructions for Conscription Service Abroad of 1907 (see: Ministry of War, Italy, General Directorate for Conscription and Troops, Instructions for Conscription Service Abroad, Rome, Enrico Voghera, 1907), article 14 lists the duties of diplomatic and consular authorities:
- ensuring the timely registration of nationals in conscription lists;
- keeping the protocol register of conscription operations;
- conducting medical examinations of those registered in the district and deciding on deferment or postponement for re-examination;
- regulating the status of draft evaders;
- granting financial assistance to cover travel expenses for repatriation in order to fulfil the obligation;
- issuing passports and regularising the status of those not in possession of one