Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/396

 56 STAT.] CANADA-MILITARY SERVICE-Mar. 30 1942 1477 Apr. 6, 8, 19421 Agreement between the United States of America and Canada respecting MhIad gdgprl 4 application of the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as [E. A.S.249] amended, to Canadiansin the United States, and reciprocal treatment of American citizens in Canada. Effected by exchange of notes signed March 30 and April 6 and 8, 1942. The Acting Secretary of State to the CanadianMinister DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON March 30, 1942 I have the honor to refer to conversations which have taken place between officers of the Canadian Legation and of the Department with respect to the application of the United States Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, to Canadian nationals residing in the United States. As you are aware the Act provides that with certain exceptions every male citizen of the United States and every other male person residing in the United States between the ages of 18 and 65 shall register. The Act further provides that, with certain exceptions, registrants within specified age limits are liable for active military service in the United States armed forces. This Government recognizes that from the standpoint of morale of the individuals concerned and the over-all military effort of the coun- tries at war with the Axis Powers, it would be desirable to permit certain classes of individuals who have registered or who may register under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, to enlist in the armed forces of a co-belligerent country, should they desire to do so. It will be recalled that during the World War this Govern- ment signed conventions with certain associated powers on this sub- ject. The United States Government believes, however, that under existing circumstances the same ends may now be accomplished through administrative action, thus obviating the delays incident to the signing and ratification of conventions. This Government is prepared, therefore, to initiate a procedure which will permit aliens who have registered under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, who are nationals of co-belligerent countries and who have not declared their intention of becoming American citizens to elect to serve in the forces of their respective countries, in lieu of service in the armed forces of the United States, at any time prior to their induction into the armed forces of this country. Individuals who so elect will be physically 54 Stat. 885. 50U..C., app.§i 301-318; Supp. I, §1 302-315 . Ante, pp. 369, 386, 724, 1018 Nationals of co- belligprent countries. Induction procedure proposed.

�