Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/810

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [56 STAT. March 31, July 1, August 15, and September 30, 1942 [E. A. S. 305] Agreement between the United States of America and New Zealand respecting military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed at Washington March 31, July 1, August 15, and September 30, 1942; effective July 2, 1942. The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister of New Zealand DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON March 31, 1942 SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended,['] 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 excep- tions, registrants within specified age limits are liable for active mili- tary 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. beNationals of c This Government is prepared, therefore, to initiate a procedure belligerent countries. Induction proce- which will permit aliens who have registered under the Selective dure. 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 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 determina- tion of acceptability. Upon receipt of notification that an individual [54 Stat.885; 50 U.S.C. app. §§ 301-318, Supp. II §§ 302-305,308-310,312,315.] 1896

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