121-A - Proof of dependency in foreign countries.

§  121-a. Proof of dependency in foreign countries. In cases involving  the dependency of aliens residing in foreign countries,  transcripts  of  birth or marriage certificates, also documents and affidavits, certified  by  a  local  official  or local magistrate and authenticated as to such  official or magistrate by the  secretary  of  state  or  other  official  having  charge  of  foreign  affairs, or a United States consul, in said  foreign country, may be received in evidence,  but  in  all  such  cases  proof of present existence and of dependency may be made by the personal  appearance   of  each  and  all  persons  claiming  relationship  to  or  dependence upon a deceased  worker  under  the  provisions  of  sections  sixteen  and  seventeen of this chapter, before a diplomatic or consular  officer of the  United  States,  and  statements  made  to  or  evidence  presented  before  such diplomatic or consular officer under oath may be  received in evidence in whole or in part by  the  board  upon  any  such  claim.  Questions  regarding  admissibility  and  adequacy  of  evidence  arising in connection  with  proceedings  before  the  consul  shall  be  determined  by the board. The board may by rule prescribe the conditions  under which proofs other than personal appearance before a diplomatic or  consular officer of the United States may be accepted as  proof  of  the  facts of existence, relationship and dependency.