Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/798

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [56 STAT. March 31,July 179ad Agreement between the United States of America and Australiarespecting [E. A. S. 303] military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed at Washington March 31, July 17, and September 16 and 30, 1942; effective July 18, 1942. The Acting Secretary of State to the Australian Minister DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON March 31, 1942 SIR: Nationals of co- belligeront countries. Induction proce- dure. I have the honor to inform you that the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, [1] provides that with certain excep- tions 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 cer- tain 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 Government signed conventions with certain associated powers on this subject. The United States Government believes, however, that under existing circumstances the same ends may now be accom- plished 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 forcesof theUnited States, at any time prior to their induction into the armed forces of this country. Individuals who so elect will be physically examined by the armed forces of the United States, and if found physically qualified, the results of such examinations will be forwarded to the proper authorities of the co-belligerent nation for determination of acceptability. Upon receipt of notification that an individual is acceptable and also receipt of the necessary travel and meal vouchers 1154 Stat. 885; 50 U.S .C. app. §§ 301-318, Supp. II § 302-305,308-310,312,315.1 1884

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