Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/352

 56 STAT.] GREAT BRITAIN-MUTUAL WAR AID-FEB. 23, 1942 Preliminary agreement between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland respecting the principles applying to mutual aid in the prosecution of the war againstaggression. Signed at Washington February23, 1942; effective February2S, 1942. Whereas the Governments of the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland declare that they are engaged in a cooperative undertaking, together with every other nation or people of like mind, to the end of laying the bases of a just and enduring world peace securing order under law to themselves and all nations; And whereas the President of the United States of America has determined, pursuant to the Act of Congress of March 11, 1941, ['] that the defense of the United Kingdom against aggression is vital to the defense of the United States of America; And whereas the United States of America has extended and is continuing to extend to the United Kingdom aid in resisting aggression; And whereas it is expedient that the final determination of the terms and conditions upon which the Government of the United Kingdom receives such aid and of the benefits to be received by the United States of America in return therefor should be deferred until the extent of the defense aid is known and until the progress of events makes clearer the final terms and conditions and benefits which will be in the mutual interests of the United States of America and the United Kingdom and will promote the establishment and maintenance of world peace; And whereas the Governments of the United States of America and the United Kingdom are mutually desirous of concluding now a pre- liminary agreement in regard to the provision of defense aid and in regard to certain considerations which shall be taken into account in determining such terms and conditions and the making of such an agreement has been in all respects duly authorized, and all acts, con- ditions and formalities which it may have been necessary to perform, fulfil or execute prior to the making of such an agreement in conformity with the laws either of the United States of America or of the United Kingdom have been performed, fulfilled or executed as required; The undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Govern- ments for that purpose, have agreed as follows: ARTICLE I The Government of the United States of America will continue to supply the Government of the United Kingdom with such defense articles, defense services, and defense information as the President shall authorize to be transferred or provided. '[55 Stat. 31 .] 65714--43 -PT. II-22 February 23, 1942 [E. A. S. 241] 22U.S. C., Supp.I §§ 411-419. Aid to United King- dom. 1433

�