Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/540

 LIBERIA-DEFENSE AREAS-MAR. 31, 1942 1621 Agreement between the United States of America and Liberia respecting March 31,12 defense areas. Signed at Monrovia March 31, 1942. S.A. . 276]- AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND LIBERIA WHEREAS: The situation of Liberia is made critical by the existing war and there is danger of attack or aggression by unfriendly powers; and 2. additional protection is necessary in order that the independ- ence and security of the Republic may be safeguarded; and 3. the Government of Liberia has requested that the Government of the United States because of its traditional friendly interest in the welfare of Liberia, give such aid as may be possible in the circum- stances in the defense of the Republic; and 4. the Government of Liberia has granted the Government of the United States in this emergency the right to construct, control, operate and defend at the sole cost and expense of the latter and without charge to the Republic of Liberia, such military and com- mercial airports in the Republic as in consultation with the Govern- ment of the Republic of Liberia may mutually be considered neces- sary; and the right also to assist in the protection and defense of any part of the Republic which might be liable to attack during the present war, said grant to include the right to construct access roads from Monrovia to the airport at Roberts Field on the Farmington River and the seaplane facilities at Fisherman Lake in the County of Grand Cape Mount; and 5. the above mentioned rights have been granted as of February 14, 1942 to become effective from that date and to reinain in effect for the duration of the existing war and for a period not to exceed six months thereafter; THEREFORE: the undersigned to wit: HARRY A. McBRIDE, Special Representative of the President of the United States of America, acting on behalf of the Government of the United States; and CLARENCE L. SIMPSON, Secretary of State of the Republic of Liberia, acting on behalf of the Government of Liberia, have agreed as follows: ARTICLE 1 The grants of rights specified above shall also include the right to Additional rght improve and deepen channels, to construct connecting roads, com- munication services, fortifications, repair and storage facilities and housing for personnel, and generally the right to do any and all things necessary to insure the efficient operation, maintenance and protec- tion of such defense facilities as may be established; 56 STAT.]

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