Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/423

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [56 STAT. June 16, 1942 [E. A. S. 25] 65 Stat. 1603 . 22 U.S. O., Supp. I, if 411-419. Preliminary agreement between the United States of America and Belgium respecting principles applying to mutual aid in the prosecu- tion of the war against aggression. Signed at Washington June 16, 1942; effective June 16, 1942. Whereas the Governments of the United States of America and Belgium 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 Governments of the United States of America and Belgium, as signatories of the Declaration by United Nations of January 1, 1942, [1] have subscribed to a common program of purposes and principles embodied in the Joint Declaration made on August 14, 1941 by the President of the United States of America and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ire- land, known as the Atlantic Charter; And whereas the President of the United States of America has determined, pursuant to the Act of Congress of March 11, 1941,[ 2] that the defense of Belgium 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 Belgium aid in resisting aggression; And whereas it is expedient that the final determination of the terms and conditions upon which the Government of Belgium 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 Belgium and will promote the establishment and maintenance of world peace; And whereas the Governments of the United States of America and Belgium are mutually desirous of concluding now a preliminary agreement in regard to the provision of defense aid and in regard to certain considerations which shall be taken into account in determin- ing such terms and conditions and the making of such an agreement has been in all respects duly authorized, and all acts, conditions and formalities which it may have been necessary to perform, fulfill or execute prior to the making of such an agreement in conformity with the laws either of the United States of America or of Belgium have been performed, fulfilled or executed as required; ' [Executive Agreement Series 236; 55 Stat. 1600.] ' [55 Stat. 31.]

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